Recent Advances in the use of Catalysts to Improve the Efficiency of Oil Sludge Pyrolysis
Abstract
Oil sludge (OS) remains challenging to manage due to toxic metals and recalcitrant hydrocarbons. Among available treatments, pyrolysis enables energy recovery while limiting formation of dioxins and particulates; however, redistribution of metals and heteroatoms during conversion necessitates stringent emissions control and product upgrading. This review synthesizes recent advances in catalytic co-pyrolysis of OS using metal oxides (including nanostructured), mesoporous zeolites, and molecular sieves. This review evaluate how catalyst composition, acidity, and textural properties shape product yields and composition; suppress sulfur- and nitrogen-bearing species (e.g., H2S); enhance char adsorption capacity; and influence kinetics (activation energy, rates), conversion, liquid-phase viscosity, and overall process efficiency. The analysis identifies catalyst systems and operating windows that improve oil quality and reduce environmental risks, and outlines remaining barriers and priorities for scale-up.