Syngas Production from Biomass Gasification: Influences of Feedstock Properties, Reactor Type, and Reaction Parameters

Abstract

Syngas from biomass gasification can be used in downstream process industries such as city gas, hydrogen production, etc. In this review, the effects of biomass feedstock properties, and gasification reaction conditions (temperature, gasifier type, etc.) on syngas properties are systematically reviewed. In summary, the cracking and reforming of volatile fractions in the gasification process and the catalytic effect of alkali and alkaline earth metals in the ash on the gasification have a direct impact on the syngas yield. And biomass pretreatment (i.e., terrifying/ hydrothermal carbonization) can reduce the moisture content, which can effectively reduce the energy required for gasification and enhance the calorific value and syngas yield further. The fixedbed gasifiers produce lower amounts of syngas. The concentration of H 2 is significantly increased by adding steam as a gasification agent. Additionally higher gasification temperatures produce more syngas, and an equivalence ratio of about 0.2−0.3 is considered suitable for gasification. For the influence of feedstock on syngas, this paper not only reviews the feedstock properties (volatile, ash, moisture) but also compares the influence of two pretreatments on syngas yield and proposes that the combination of torrefaction/hydrothermal carbonization and a multistage air bed gasifier is an important research direction to improve the combustible components of syngas. In addition to the summary of commonly used single gasification agents, two or more gasification agents on the concentration of syngas components are also discussed in the gasification parameters, and it is suggested that further research into the use of more than one gasification agent is also important for future syngas production.

Biomass and organic waste conversion for sustainable bioenergy: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of current research trends and future directions

“…This process typically operates between 700°C and 1300°C and involves simultaneous exothermic oxidation and endothermic pyrolysis. A finite oxygen supply facilitates the conversion of solid biomass into combustible gas mixtures (often called syngas) (Canabarro et al, 2013;Gao et al, 2023;Lam et al, 2019b;Sankaran et al, 2018;Hussain et al, 2023). By transforming biomass into products with additional value, such as charcoal, energy, fertilizers, heat, syngas, and biofuels, biomass gasification helps to reduce the adverse environmental effects of conventional waste management methods.…”

“…Biomass gasification offers a promising thermochemical technique for converting organic material into a valuable fuel source: syngas. This combustible gas mixture, containing primarily hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane, has applications in electricity generation and heat production (Gao et al, 2023). As illustrated in Figure 2, the gasification process involves drying the biomass feedstock to remove moisture.…”

“…This method is widely recognized as a prevalent thermochemical technique (Suresh et al, 2020;Urrutia et al, 2022). The process usually operates at elevated temperatures, typically 600 to 900 °C, with moderate rates of heating and extended periods, which helps create syngas enriched with hydrogen (Gao et al, 2023;Yaashikaa et al, 2020).…”

Valorization of Rejected Macroalgae Kappaphycopsis cottonii for Bio-Oil and Bio-Char Production via Slow Pyrolysis

“…Although biochemical conversion exhibits lower energy intensity compared to thermochemical processes, its economic feasibility is hindered by limitations. In contrast, thermochemical biomass conversion involving methods like torrefaction, , gasification, − and pyrolysis − is favored due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness . Among various thermochemical conversion methods, pyrolysis is particularly notable for its widespread use in transforming biomass into useful chemicals and biofuels.…”

Photocatalytic Conversion of Formic Acid to Syngas (CO + H2) and Methane with Homogeneous Molecular Cobaloxime Catalysts

“…With the increasing consumption of fossil fuel energy and the increase in environmental pollution, developing clean energy alternatives to traditional fossil fuels is highly desirable. − Formic acid (HCOOH, FA) has been widely researched in recent decades as a potential hydrogen storage material. − It has many advantages, such as high hydrogen storage capacity (4.3 wt %), low toxicity, straightforward transportation, refueling, and handling, comparable to those of diesel and gasoline. − The decomposition of formic acid mainly involves two pathways: dehydrogenation and dehydration. , As fuels for the future, syngas can be produced when these two reactions occur simultaneously. It is directly useful in internal combustion engines and can also be a feedstock for the chemical industry. − However, the high requirements for FA decomposition reactions, such as noble-metal-based catalysts and extra energy input, restrict further progress in practical applications. − Recently, photocatalytic syngas production from formic acid has attracted much attention because it is economically feasible and environmentally friendly . Some photocatalysts show competitive syngas production from formic acid even compared to that of thermal catalysis and electrocatalysis. − …”