Formation of NOx and SOx precursors during the pyrolysis of coal and biomass. Part III. Further discussion on the formation of HCN and NH3 during pyrolysis

The formation of HCN and NH₃ from the pyrolysis of coal (and biomass) is discussed based on our experimental data as well as the data in the literature, including the pyrolysis of N-containing pyrrolic and pyridinic model compounds reported in the literature. The pyrolysis of the model compounds and the thermal cracking of coal pyrolysis volatiles appear to be in good qualitative agreement in terms of the onset decomposition temperature, the main intermediates and the final N-containing product (HCN). The formation of NH₃ requires the presence of condensed phase(s) of carbonaceous materials rich in hydrogen. Direct hydrogenation of the N-sites by the H radicals generated in situ in the pyrolysing solid is the main source of NH₃ from the solid. The initiation of the N-containing heteroaromatic ring by radical(s) is the first step for the formation of both HCN and NH₃. While the thermally less stable N-containing structures are mainly responsible for the formation of HCN, the thermally more stable N-containing structures may be hydrogenated slowly by the H radicals to NH₃. The formation of NH₃ and the formation of HCN are controlled by the local availability of radicals, particularly the H radicals, in the pyrolysing solid. The increased yield of NH₃ (and HCN) with increasing heating rate can be explained by the rapid generation of the H radicals at high heating rates, favouring the formation of NH₃ (and HCN) over the combination of N-containing ring systems within the coal/char matrix. The size of the N-containing heteroaromatic ring systems and the types of substitutional groups also play important roles in the formation of HCN and NH₃.