Work

Coupled Fenton oxidation and photocatalytic pretreatment: A novel strategy for reducing AAEMs in biomass to enhance coal co-combustion performance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The co-combustion of biomass and coal blends presents a viable option for the large-scale utilization of renewable energy. However, the combustion of biomass fuels is often associated with challenges such as slagging and corrosion, which can restrict their application in coal-fired power plants. This study proposes a green coupled process based on combined photocatalytic-Fenton oxidation, effectively separating lignin-rich fractions, hemicellulose degradation mixtures, and inorganic metals from walnut shell. The combustion characteristics of walnut shell and coal were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Kinetic parameters of the mixture were calculated using a model-free method, while the ash characteristics of the combustion products were analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The results indicated that photocatalytically coupled Fenton pretreatment enhanced the physicochemical properties of the mixed fuels, reduced the content of alkali and alkaline earth metals (AAEMs), increased the residual char yield, and improved combustion performance. Notably, the slagging and scaling indices of the pretreated mixed fuels were significantly lower than those of the untreated materials, demonstrating enhanced resistance to slagging. This research provides an effective optimization strategy for biomass-coal co-combustion with significant environmental and economic implications.

Source: Fuel Processing Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.fuproc.2025.108211