Comparison of microwave and conventional pyrolysis of one-step prepared metal soaps (Li/Na/K/Ca/Mg): Product distribution and heating characteristics

The pyrolysis of metal soaps to produce hydrocarbon rich fuel has been studied extensively. However, the combined effects of microwave radiation and metal ion types on hydrocarbon production have not been addressed. In this study, the microwave and conventional pyrolysis experiments were conducted on five metal soaps (Li soap, Na soap, K soap, Ca soap, Mg soap). The results demonstrated that the metal ions at the carboxyl end of the soap enhanced the polarity of the reactants, leading to a rapid increase in temperature under microwave conditions. With the ion radius increasing, the heating rate increased gradually. Compared with conventional pyrolysis, microwave pyrolysis exhibited a more rapid heating rate, a higher degree of carbon chain fracture, and a greater abundance of small olefin compounds, which promoted aromatization reaction and the release of CO, H₂ and CH₄. In addition, the composition of the pyrolysis products derived from different metal soaps is affected by the characteristics of metal ions. As the radius of metal ions increased, the oxygen content in the liquid products decreased gradually, while the carbon content increased. The strengthening effect of microwave was further analyzed. With the increase in the radius of metal ions, the strengthening effect of microwaves on olefins formation was gradually weakened, while the inhibiting effect on alkanes formation was gradually enhanced. The structure of carboxylate network is affected by the radius of metal ions, which results in the regular change of the strengthening effect of microwave on olefins and other products. This study is highly significant in guiding the pyrolysis of soapstock waste to prepare olefins and alkanes with high efficiency and low energy consumption.