Catalytic Pyrolysis of Cabbage Waste Biomass using Fe-Modified ZSM-5 for Enhanced Production of Phenol-Rich Bio-oil

Abstract

This research work presents the catalytic pyrolysis of cabbage waste using iron-modified ZSM-5 (Fe–ZSM-5) to enhance the yield and selectivity of phenol-rich bio-oil. The rationale integrates waste valorization and advanced catalytic design, focusing on acidity modulation, metal–support interactions, and shape-selective aromatization. We outline scientific motivations, contextualize the problem with a literature-grounded review, and establish hypotheses and objectives that will be tested with experimentally consistent data in subsequent phases. The approach interweaves response surface methodology for process optimization, kinetic and thermodynamic modeling to quantify reaction pathways and feasibility, and life cycle/energy efficiency analyses to assess environmental and systems-level impacts. The expected outcome is a robust understanding of how iron incorporation in ZSM-5 modifies acid site distribution and redox behavior to steer primary pyrolysis vapors toward phenolic derivatives while minimizing over-cracking to gases. The literature review consolidates recent advances in catalytic pyrolysis, zeolite modification, and vegetable-waste conversion routes with attention to catalyst stability and regeneration. This sets the stage for a full-scale, data-rich monograph in later phases, culminating in validated figures, tables, and at least fifty Vancouver-style references.