Hydrogen Production from Biomass by the Gasification Process

The gasification of biomass is a thermal treatment, which results in a high production of gaseous products and small quantities of char and ash. Steam reforming of hydrocarbons, partial oxidation of heavy oil residues, selected steam reforming of aromatic compounds, and gasification of coals and solid wastes to yield a mixture of H₂ and CO (syngas), followed by water-gas shift conversion to produce H₂ and CO₂, are well-established processes. The steam capability can be significantly improved by permitting the classical Ni-alumina or Ni-silica/alumina formulations with Ca and/or K. Three types of catalysts were tested: alumina, aluminosilicate material, and nickel-supported catalyst.