The production of hydrogen gas from modified water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) biomass through pyrolysis process

Abstract

In this study, the generation of hydrogen from synthesis gas through the pyrolysis of modified Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) biomass was investigated. The modified Water Hyacinth feedstocks were prepared by immersing its dried samples into Iron Chlorides (III) solution under different concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 M). After a 60 min pyrolysis at 540 °C, each created biochar sample also generates a different volume of synthesis gas depending on the properties of the feedstock that were applied to the system. In that manner, it is clear that the value of ferric chloride concentration plays an important role in the generating of synthesis gas. The study indicates that the increase of ferric chloride concentration may also raise the production of synthesis gas, and the amount of hydrogen as well. The result indicates that the 2WH sample (with 2 M of ferric chloride catalyst) exhibited the highest conversion for Water Hyacinth pyrolysis volatiles, with 280 mL of total gas production (42% of hydrogen included, 23% of carbon dioxide, 22% of carbon monoxide and 7% of methane). Therefore, the main objective of the work is achieved by revealing the influence of the metal catalyst over the production of gases via the pyrolysis. On the other hand, the fact that the Water Hyacinth can be utilized effectively also contributes greatly to the matter of environmental betterment.