Comparison of batch aqueous-phase reforming of glycerol and lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate gasification performance of glycerol, overproduced from biodiesel fuel production, and lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate for hydrogen gas production by aqueous-phase reforming (APR) process. Lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate was prepared by solubilization of wheat straw under subcritical water condition. APR experiments were performed in a batch type reactor at 250 and 300°C in the presence of various commercial reforming catalysts such as raney nickel and Pt doped on carbon and alumina supports.Although the gas composition was similar, lower amount of gas was produced when APR of glycerol performed at higher temperature in the presence of a Pt catalyst. Hydrogen production activity of Pt on alumina catalyst was same as Pt on carbon support at 250°C, however, the activity significantly reduced at 300°C. The gasification performance of biomass hydrolysate was quite low compared to glycerol solution. The Pt on carbon was the most effective catalyst for total organic carbon (TOC) removal from glycerol while raney nickel was the most active one for TOC removal from wheat straw biomass hydrolysate.