Gas Reforming and Tar Decomposition Performance of NiO/SBA-15 Catalyst in Gasification of Woody Biomass.

In the gasification of biomass, it is necessary to limit the amount of by-product tar and increase the yields of hydrogen and carbon monoxide (syngas). Therefore, we conducted gasification and reforming experiments on woody biomass using an electric tubular furnace, to evaluate the gas reforming and tar decomposition performance of a NiO/SBA-15 catalyst. As a result, we found that this catalyst is effective for H2 production. It is believed that the increase in H2 volume due to the catalyst occurs through a steam reforming reaction involving hydrocarbons including CH4 , and the water-gas shift reaction. With respect to the influence of the gasifying agent on the reforming effect of the catalyst, the amount of generated CO2 and H2 increases because the shift reaction is promoted by supplying steam. On the other hand, it was inferred that the shift reaction rarely occurred because it approaches equilibrium by supplying O2 . Furthermore, it is suggested that light aromatic hydrocarbons are decomposed by the catalyst. Implications Gasification and reforming experiments on woody biomass were conducted to evaluate gas reforming and tar decomposition performance of NiO/SBA-15 catalyst. The catalyst was highly effective for H2 production and light aromatic compounds decomposition. Detailed discussions were made based on a number of gas measurements and on thermodynamic discussion.