Nyombi, AntonyWilliams, MikeWessling, Roland2019-10-032019-10-032019-09-24Nyombi A, Williams MR, Wessling R. (2020) Catalytic effects on the nonisothermal oxidation of solid fuels by oxygen: an experimental study. Energy and Fuels, Volume 33, Issue 10, 2020, pp.10307-103160887-0624https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b02514http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/14586The role played by catalysts in solid fuel reactivity toward oxygen as a viable method for reducing toxic combustion emissions was studied. Catalyst (1 wt % Pd–Sn/alumina) treated and untreated solid fuels were analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC) coupled with a gas detection system at heating rates of 20–40 °C/min and airflow rates of 30–100 mL/min. The relative CO emission factors, NOx, CH4, energy output, and combustion efficiency were determined as well as values of the activation energy (Ea) and pre-exponential factor (A) for the oxidation of the solid fuels. Results showed that the catalyst treatment enhanced the energy output by more than 22% and reduced CO emission factors by up to 87%. The temperature for release of nitrogen compounds was considerably reduced; however, the amounts produced were not impacted. The combustion efficiency was also improved by up to 60%. In terms of reactivity, catalyst treatment lowered the Ea for oxidation especially at 0.2 ≤ α ≤ 0.8. Catalyst treated samples had more free active sites on their surfaces, which decreased at temperatures of >500 °C possibly due to thermal deactivation of the catalyst. This is a viable method for minimizing toxic emissions from solid fuel combustion and enhancing energy output for domestic and industrial applications.enAttribution-NonCommercial 4.0 InternationalArticle