Thermokinetics and synergistic effect analysis of peat-lignite coal co-pyrolysis

In this study, the synergistic effect between peat and lignite coal was investigated in terms of kinetic energy and mass loss trends using a thermogravimetric analyzer. Thermogravimetric non-isothermal studies were conducted at different heating rates under inert nitrogen atmosphere. Kinetic analysis was performed using model-free KAS, OFW, and Starink methods and the average activation energies varied between 88.62 kJ/mol and 204.28 kJ/mol. Differential mass loss trends were determined using experimental and theoretical data. An obvious deviation was obtained at a blend ratio of PT:CL40:60. Thus, results revealed that the PT and CL co-pyrolysis has synergistic effects, especially for sample PT:CL40:60. SEM and BET analyses were performed on the coke sample of peat, coal, and PT:CL40:60 blend ratio samples for further analysis. The surface area of peat and coal was determined to be 416 m2/g and 83.06 m2/g, respectively. It was concluded that the porosity and surface area of coal (187.02 m2/g) increased with the addition of peat. The results are expected to be useful in the design of peat biomass and coal co-pyrolysis systems.