Abstract
Fluidizable catalysts based on Ni/Al2O3 with added Ru were used for the gasification of a lignin surrogate (2-methoxy-4-methylphenol) in a fluidized CREC Riser Simulator reactor. This was done in order to quantify lignin surrogate conversion and lignin surrogate products (H2, CO, CO2 and CH4) as well as the coke deposited on the catalyst. The catalysts that were evaluated contained 5% wt. Ni with various Ru loadings (0.25%, 0.5% and 1% wt). These catalysts were synthesized using an incipient Ni and Ru co-impregnation. Catalysts were characterized using XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption (BET Surface Area, BJH), Temperature Programmed Reduction (TPR), Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) and H2 chemisorption. Catalytic steam gasification took place at 550, 600 and 650 °C using 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5, steam/biomass ratios. The results obtained showed that Ru addition helped to decrease both nickel crystallite site sizes and catalyst acid site density. Moreover, it was observed that coke on the catalyst was reduced by 60%. This was the case when compared to the runs with the Ni/Al2O3 free of Ru.
Highlights
In recent decades, biomass has received worldwide interest due to its great potential to substitute fossil fuels [1,2,3]
Biomass can be converted using gasification and has zero net emissions of carbon dioxide. This can be achieved if the carbon dioxide released from the biomass is quantitatively recycled back into plants via photosynthesis [7]
Despite the fact that it has been reported that the addition of Ru helps with nickel reducibility and Ni◦ dispersion [22], an Ru–Ni–alumina catalyst has not yet been considered for tar derived from biomass steam gasification
Summary
Biomass has received worldwide interest due to its great potential to substitute fossil fuels [1,2,3]. Biomass steam gasification can produce a synthesis gas with a relatively high hydrogen content. This synthesis gas (CO + H2 ) has diverse applications. Despite the fact that it has been reported that the addition of Ru helps with nickel reducibility and Ni◦ dispersion [22], an Ru–Ni–alumina catalyst has not yet been considered for tar derived from biomass steam gasification. The effect of various reaction conditions, such as temperature and steam/biomass mass ratio (S/B) on catalyst reactivity and coke formation were extensively studied. This showed the significant influence of the proposed Ru–Ni–alumina catalyst on coke reduction while converting a lignin surrogate (2-methoxy-4-methylphenol)
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