Mirna Zulrika, Husni Husin, Hesti Meilina, Nurhazanah, Masri Ali, Fahrizal Nasution, Ahmadi, Leni Maulinda, Zikrullah, Risa Safira, Nisa Amara
Activated-diatomaceous earth (ADE) was used as a catalyst in the catalytic conversion of polypropylene vapors for improving liquid fuel characteristics. Diatomaceous catalysts (100 mesh) were activated for 24 h with 2 M H2SO4. The catalyst was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to better understand the particle size and surface topography; meanwhile, the liquid fuels characteristic was examined using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The pyrolysis-vapors process was catalytically reformed in a fixed-bed reactor at 300-500 °C and a 1 - 3 wt% catalyst mass. The process suggested that increasing catalyst mass enhances the product yield, with the highest liquid yield of about 73.7 % at 300 °C. As expected, the FT-IR analysis revealed that higher temperatures produce lower oxygenated functional group compounds in the liquid fuels, which is confirmed by several spectral peaks named alkenes (C-H at 2850-3140 cm-1), alkanes (C-H at 1350-1470 cm-1), and carboxylic acid (C=O at 1680-1750 cm-1). According to the observations, the ADE could benefit the natural sources of catalysts that can also be used to convert and complete the conversion of PP-pyrolysis vapors into valuable liquid-like fuels. © 2025 Author(s).
Magister of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Postgraduate School of Engineering Studies, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Malikussaleh, Lhokseumawe, 24355, Indonesia
Research at a Glance
Register to unlock
Topics & SDG Alignment
Register to unlock
Collaboration
Register to unlock
Author Profile (Selected)
Register to unlock
References Overview
Register to unlock
Journal & Source
Register to unlock
Metadata & Integrity
Register to unlock