Engineered Biochar as Catalysts for Syngas Production Via Biomass Pyrolysis Followed by Catalytic Reforming Process

Abstract

Syngas production with low CO2 content via biomass pyrolysis followed by catalytic reforming process can significantly improve the gas energy conversion efficiency (GECE) and contribute to negative emissions. The objective of this work is to explore the use of engineered biochars as catalysts for syngas production. The tested engineered biochar include physical- and chemical- activated biochar, nitrogen-doped biochar and nickel-doped biochar. The results illustrated that the syngas yields were comparable when using biochar and activated biochar. The use of N-doped biochar decrease the syngas yield sharply due to the collapse of the pore structure. The addition of Ni was suggested to be the most effective way for syngas production. A 78.2 wt.% syngas yield containing 26 mmol H2/g-biomass, and a GECE of 73% were obtained when using 30 wt.% Ni-doped biochar as a catalyst. Its stability and durability test showed a slightly decrease of performance after three-times repetitive use.

Keywords: biomass pyrolysis, syngas production, low CO2 emission, catalytic reforming, engineered biochar