Is there any way to determine the composition of biomass using thermogravimetry? I've tried DTG curve deconvolution using Origin software but was not able to get the correct composition. Can anyone please help with how to do this?
Thanks & Regards,
Hari Kiran
Dear Hari
Thermogravimetric analysis TGA/DTG, DSC are good for studding the decomposition profile of a sample based on the interpretation of peaks related to mass loss. Based on experience using these techniques but on the kind of compounds you are testing, it is pretty possible to use these techniques for qualitative analysis, but they are not good for that.
Biomass composition could be identified by peaks in the thermal profile but only comparing them with reports. To design a good qualitative identification of biomass components, a better approach is to couple the thermal technique you are applying to Mass Spectrometry which is very strong for accurate identifying chemical molecules in your sample. Then, after your thermal tests, the mass loss corresponding to the losing of moisture, volatiles and rest of components in biomass can be identified by MS. Separation of components previous to MS (such as chromatography) won’t be necessary since the thermal treatment act as a compound separator also (see you own thermal data). Nevertheless, keep in mind that the biomass main components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) are very complex bio polymers, and cause of that, the identification of them by MS won’t be an easy task.
Best Regards
Dear Hari Kiran ,
the reference:
Park, S., Baker, J.O., Himmel, M.E. et al. Cellulose crystallinity index: measurement techniques and their impact on interpreting cellulase performance. Biotechnol Biofuels 3, 10 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1754-6834-3-10
brings a set of very interesting references on the subject of your interest.
Please check the topic and search for the ones more close related to your needs.
Best regards,
WNM
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