Biomass pyrolysis in Sn-Bi molten metal for synthesis gas production

Abstract

Rapid heat transfer in molten metal can enhance biomass gasification, and combining this with catalysts can lower the process temperature and eliminate tar formation. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of Sn-Bi molten metal and its catalytic enhancement with Ni/Al2O3 with respect to synthesis gas (H2 + CO) production by biomass pyrolytic gasification. Cellulose and aspen wood pyrolysis was performed between 500 °C and 800 °C at high and low heating rates. The proposed combined medium was effective for pyrolytic gasification, lowering the pyrolysis temperature, increasing the H2 content of the product gas, and decreasing the CH4 concentration. The combined medium also reduced the char content and eliminated tar at a high heating rate, improving the carbon conversion efficiency. The proposed medium was thus effective for biomass gasification.