H2-rich Gas Research Articles

Looking for natural hydrogen in Albania and Kosova

A regional geochemistry field study was conducted in Albania and Kosova to spot natural H2 occurrences related to ophiolite massifs. A total of 21 sites, mainly consisting of natural springs, were studied, and nine were sampled for analyzing associated free gas and C and H isotopes of CH4 and H2 when possible. Four springs showed gas with H2 occurrence, one particularly reaching 16% of H2 in the north of Kosova in a location named Vuçe, which makes it the fifth gas seep most enriched in H2 in the Dinarides, after H2-rich gas seeps in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This gas seep is associated with hyperalkaline water having a pH of about 10.7. This would favor the assumption that H2 is derived from the serpentinization of peridotites, a process which is likely still ongoing. H2 is associated mainly with N2 and CH4, like the other H2-rich gas springs in the Dinarides. Based on C and H isotopes, CH4 is abiotic or microbial. H isotopes suggest a formation of H2 at about a 2-km depth. Another hyperalkaline spring was found in the south of Albania, at the border of the Korça Basin, with less than 200 ppm of H2. No relation between H2 and He was identified at the scale of Albania and Kosova, nor at the scale of the whole Dinarides. This work provides a completed map of the H2 occurrences in the Dinarides and allows to highlight some hot spots for H2 exploration, mainly located inside the ophiolite massifs like in other ophiolites (such as Oman, New Caledonia, and The Philippines), and not on major faults like in the Pyrenees.

Utilization of fruit waste for H2-rich syngas production via steam co-gasification with brown coal

In this work, to efficiently utilize waste fruit and low-rank coal for the hydrogen (H2)-rich syngas production, steam co-gasification of banana peel (BP) and brown coal (BC) was studied in a fixed-bed reactor. The results showed that the gasification rate of BC was highly enhanced after mixing it with BP and the obvious synergistic effect was observed in all investigated three mixing weight ratios (i.e., 1:1, 1:4, 4:1), resulting in a higher carbon conversion as well as a H2-rich gas production yield for the co-gasification. However, the extent of promotion by synergistic effect was affected by the reaction temperature, mixing ratio, and steam amount. It was found that the high potassium (K) species content in the BP provided the catalytic effect not only on water–gas shift reaction but also on tar reforming/cracking, thereby enhancing the gasification of BC. In addition, it is confirmed that steam should be an important factor to promote the synergistic effect and H2-rich gas production.

Application of MgO-Titanomagnetite mixture in high-temperature catalytic pyrolysis of radiata pine

This study aimed to investigate the effect of MgO and titanomagnetite mixture on the high-temperature pyrolysis of radiata pine wood in a fluidised bed reactor at 850 °C. The catalytic performance of the MgO-titanomagnetite (MgO-TM) mixture was experimentally evaluated based on product distribution, gas composition, gas properties, and tar composition. The results revealed that addition of MgO-titanomagnetite resulted in a decrease in gas yield (67.2 wt.%) compared to addition of titanomagnetite (TM) alone (72.9 wt.%), but an improvement was found compared to addition of MgO alone (63.9 wt.%). The hydrogen concentration in the gas product was significantly enhanced (23.2 vol.%) compared to titanomagnetite alone (12.8 vol.%) or to non-catalytic (NC) pyrolysis (14.1 vol.%) but was similar to that with addition of MgO alone (22.6 vol.%). However, the addition of MgO and titanomagnetite mixture resulted in a reduction in CO concentration to 2.7 vol.% in the gas product whereas increased the CO2 and light olefins formation. It was also found that the addition of the MgO and titanomagnetite mixture significantly increased the total concentration of ethylene and propylene (18.3 vol.%) compared to addition of titanomagnetite (5.8 vol.%), MgO (9.0 vol.%), or non-catalytic pyrolysis (12.0 vol.%). The lower heating value of the gas product and the H2 to CO ratio (17.5 MJ/Nm3 and 8.7) were also improved with addition of the MgO-titanomagnetite mixture. These findings demonstrate that application of physically mixed MgO and titanomagnetite as catalyst is a promising method for converting biomass into a H2-rich gas product via high-temperature pyrolysis. This study offers a useful reference for the development of novel catalytic systems for biomass conversion.Graphical

Carbon and H2 recoveries from plastic waste by using a metal-free porous biocarbon catalyst

Carbon and H2 recoveries from plastic waste enable high value-added utilizations of plastic waste while minimizing its GHG emissions. The objective of this study is to explore the use of a metal-free biocarbon catalyst for waste plastic pyrolysis and in-line catalytic cracking to produce H2-rich gases and carbon. The results show that the biocarbon catalyst exhibits a good catalytic effect and stability for various plastic wastes. Increasing the C/P ratio from 0 to 2, induce an increase in the conversion rate of C and H in plastics to carbon and H2 from 57.1% to 68.7%, and from 22.7% to 53.5%, respectively. Furthermore, a carbon yield as high as 580.6 mg/gplastic and an H2 yield as high as 68.6 mg/gplastic can be obtained. The hierarchical porous structure with tortuous channels of biocarbon extends the residence time of pyrolysis volatiles in the high-temperature catalytic region and thereby significantly promotes cracking reactions.

Emissions and efficiency of pure CO and H2-rich simulated gases combustion with peach and rice biomasses syngas characteristics: A renewable energy pathway for the agroindustrial sector in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The possibility of using renewable energy generated in the industrial sector for the combined generation of electricity and heat is becoming one of the most efficient energy generation methods, without the need for sophisticated systems of biogas compression for its use. Different fuels are able to extend the lean threshold of spark ignition engines (SI). Although synthesis gas (syngas) lean combustion raises combustion efficiency, its use can result in high carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, making it urgent to investigate the CO combustion process in SI engines. Currently, only data referring to the combustion of pure hydrogen are found. Also, studies on the emissions from the use of syngas generated from peach kernels and rice husks are scarce. Therefore, the innovation and goal of this paper were to investigate the emissions resulting from lean combustion in SI engines fueled with both pure CO and hydrogen-rich gas with close characteristics of syngas generated from rice husk and peach kernel, two highly produced biomasses in Brazil. As the main results, regarding nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, the combustion of pure CO was quite high when compared to syngas. The syngas H2/CO ∼ 1 was also responsible for the largest emission of hydrocarbons (HC), a little less than twice that of H2/CO ∼ 0.38. Furthermore, by allowing lean combustion, the temperatures of the flared gas can be kept below the NOx formation limit. Moreover, the combustion of pure CO resulted in reduced efficiency and increased COV of IMEP. Besides emissions reduction, the use of waste for biofuel production is essential for the overall strategy for a transition to a circular economy.

Sorption-enhanced steam gasification of biomass for H2-rich gas production and in-situ CO2 capture by CaO-based sorbents: A critical review

The sorption-enhanced steam gasification of biomass (SEBSG) is considered a prospective thermo-chemical technology for high-purity H2 production with in-situ CO2 capture. Fundamental concepts and operating conditions of SEBSG technology were summarized in this review. Considerable industrial demonstration units have been conducted on pilot scales for large-scale availability of the SEBSG process. The influence of process parameters such as reaction temperature, Steam/Biomass (S/B) ratio, feedstock characteristics, cyclic CO2 capture capacity of CaO-based sorbents, and catalysis, were critically reviewed to provide theoretical recommendations for industrial operation. Bifunctional materials that have high catalytic activity and CO2 capture activity are crucial for ensuring high H2 production in the SEBSG. The application of density functional theory (DFT) and reactive force field molecular dynamic (ReaxFF MD) simulations on microcosmic reaction mechanisms in the SEBSG process, such as pyrolysis, WGS and reforming reactions, and CO2 capture of CaO-based materials are comprehensively overviewed. Several research gaps, like the exploitation of more efficient and low-cost bifunctional material, integrated process economics and revelation of well-rounded mechanisms, need to be filled for the following large-scale industrial applications.

Phosphate-modified Al2O3–ZrO2 supported Ni catalysts for efficient selective methanation of CO in H2-rich reformate gas

CO selective methanation can remove the CO in H2-rich reformate gas to prevent the poisoning of Pt anode electrode in proton exchange membrane fuel cell. However, the methanation of CO2 in H2-rich gas consumes a lot of hydrogen, which greatly reduces the energy efficiency. In order to inhibit CO2 methanation, mesostructured Al2O3–ZrO2 was modified by different amounts of phosphate, and then was as Ni support. The structures and surface properties of Ni/Al2O3–ZrO2 catalyst modified by phosphate were studied to reveal the effect of phosphate-modification on CO conversion and selectivity for CO methanation. It was found that the phosphate-modification inhibited the adsorption of CO2, which increased the selective for CO methanation. But the modification with excess phosphate lessened active sites of Ni and weakened the adsorption of H2 and CO, which decreased the activity of CO methanation.

Thermocatalytic conversion of wood-plastic composite over HZSM-5 catalysts

Air gasification of the Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) was performed over Ni-loaded HZSM-5 catalysts to generate H2-rich gas. Increasing SiO2/Al2O3 ratio (SAR) of HZSM-5 adversely affected catalytic activity, where the highest gas yield (51.38 wt%) and H2 selectivity (27.01 vol%) were acquired using 20 %Ni/HZSM-5(30) than those produced over 20 %Ni/HZSM-5(80) and 20 %Ni/HZSM-5(280). Reducing SAR was also favorably conducive to increasing the acyclic at the expense of cyclic compounds in oil products. These phenomena are attributed to enhanced acid strength and Ni dispersion of 20 %Ni/HZSM-5(30) catalyst. Moreover, catalytic activity in the terms of gas yield and H2 selectivity enhanced with growing Ni loading to 20 %. Also, the addition of promoters (Cu and Ca) to 20 %Ni/HZSM-5(30) boosted the catalytic efficiency for H2-rich gas generation. Raising temperature indicated a positive relevance with the gas yield and H2 selectivity. WPC valorization via gasification technology would be an outstanding outlook in the terms of a waste-to-energy platform.

Softening–Melting Properties and Slag Evolution of Vanadium Titano-Magnetite Sinter in Hydrogen-Rich Gases

Blast furnace–basic oxygen furnace (BF–BOF) process is the predominant method for smelting vanadium titano-magnetite (VTM) in China. Hydrogen-rich (H2-rich) gas injection in BF is considered as an important way to reduce CO2 emission under the background of low carbon metallurgy. In this paper, the softening–melting behaviors of VTM sinter in H2–rich gases were investigated by the method of determination of its reduction softening drippinger performance under load. The experimental results indicated that the permeability of VTM sinter during the softening–melting process was improved by increasing the H2 content of the reducing gases. The maximum pressure drop of the burden decreased gradually from 29.76 kPa to 19.97 kPa, and the total characteristic value (representing the comprehensive softening–melting property) also decreased obviously from 2357.52 kPa·°C to 630.94 kPa·°C with the increase in H2 content. The softening interval of the samples was widened, while the melting–dripping interval increased firstly and then decreased. In that case, the position of the melting–dripping zone in BF would move downwards, which was beneficial to smelting smoothly. The thermodynamic analysis indicated that Ti- and Fe-bearing phases were more difficult to be reduced than iron oxides, and H2-rich gas is beneficial to the reduction of that kind of oxides. Titano-magnetite will be reduced stepwise to form Fe2TiO4, and then in the order of FeTiO3→TiO2→Ti(C,N). Wustite (FeO) was an important component during the slag-forming process, whose content increased firstly and then decreased. Perovskite and silicate were the main phases in the dripping slag samples.

Lowering risk of methanation of carbon support in Ru/carbon catalysts for CO methanation by adding lanthanum

Two series of Ru/C catalysts doped with lanthanum ions are prepared and studied in CO methanation in the H2-rich gas. The samples are characterized by N2 physisorption, TG-MS studies, XRD, XPS, TEM/STEM and CO chemisorption. Two graphitized carbons differing in surface area (115 and 80.6 m2/g) are used as supports. The average sizes of ruthenium crystallites deposited on their surfaces are 4.33 and 5.95 nm, respectively. The addition of the proper amount of La to the Ru/carbon catalysts leads to an above 20% increase in the catalytic activity along with stable CH4 selectivity higher than 99% at all temperatures. Simultaneously, lanthanum acts as the inhibitor of methanation of the carbon support under conditions of high temperature and hydrogen atmosphere. Such positive effects are achieved at a very low concentration of La in the prepared samples, a maximum 0.04 La/Ru (molar ratio). 0.01 mmol La introduced to the Ru/C system leads to 98% CO conversion at 270 °C.

Microalgae gasification over Ni loaded perovskites for enhanced biohydrogen generation

Steam gasification of microalgae upon perovskite oxide-supported nickel (Ni) catalysts was carried out for H2-rich gas production. Ni-perovskite oxide catalysts with partial substitution of B in perovskite structures (Ni/CaZrO3, Ni/Ca(Zr0.8Ti0.2)O3, and Ni/Ca(Zr0.6Ti0.4)O3) were synthesized and compared with those of the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst. The perovskite oxide supports improved Ni dispersion by reducing the particle size and strengthening the Ni-support interaction. Higher gas yields and H2 selectivity were obtained using Ni-perovskite oxide catalysts rather than Ni/Al2O3. In particular, Ni/Ca(Zr0.8Ti0.2)O3 showed the highest activity and selectivity for H2 production because of the synergetic effect of metallic Ni and elements present in the perovskite structures caused by high catalytic activity coupled with enhanced oxygen mobility. Moreover, increasing the temperature promoted the yield of gas and H2 content. Overall, considering the outstanding advantages of perovskite oxides as supports for Ni catalysts is a promising prospect for H2 production via gasification technology.

Hydrogen generation from gasification of woody biomass upon acid mine drainage sludge as a novel catalyst under an air medium

In this study, the feasibility of employing acid mine drainage sludge (AMDS), mainly consisting of iron oxide (Fe2O3), as a novel catalyst for the air gasification of woody sawdust to produce H2-rich gas was evaluated for the first time. The effects of temperature, equivalence ratio (ER), and contact mode of the feedstock and catalyst on gas yield and H2 selectivity were investigated. Using the AMDS catalyst, a comparably higher gas yield (56.79 wt%) and higher content of H2 (18.31 vol%) and CO2 (36.45 vol%) were obtained compared to those obtained in the non-catalytic case owing to stimulated water–gas shift and steam–methane reforming reactions caused by the redox cycle of Fe2O3 within the gasification process. Gas yield and H2 concentration were enhanced by increasing the temperature from 750 to 850 ℃ (up to 65.11 wt% and 21.73 vol%, respectively) due to promoted endothermic reactions. Although increasing the ER from 0.1 to 0.3 dramatically increased the gas yield, it was not conducive to the promotion of H2 production, primarily because of the stimulated hydrogen oxidation reaction. The ex situ contact mode, where feedstock and catalyst were placed in the reactor and catalyst bed, respectively, resulted in a higher gas yield and H2 selectivity compared to those achieved by the in situ case, in which a mixture of feedstock and catalysts was located in the same reactor. Overall, the gasification of woody sawdust over an AMDS catalyst in an air medium has the potential to mitigate the challenges of AMDS treatment along with the production of valuable H2-rich gas.

In-situ exsolution of Fe-Ni alloy catalysts for H2 and carbon nanotube production from microwave plasma-initiated decomposition of plastic wastes

The management of plastic wastes has become an urgent issue due to the overconsumption of single-use plastic products. As a promising avenue for plastic waste valorization, chemical recycling by converting plastics into value-added products has attracted tremendous attention. In this paper, the Fe-Ni alloy catalysts via in-situ exsolution were employed for the straightforward microwave plasma-initiated decomposition of plastic wastes for high yield H2 and carbon nanotubes. The partial substitution of Fe by Ni promoted in-situ exsolution of alloy nanoparticles homogeneously. Specifically, characterization results showed that the introduction of Ni modulated metal-support interaction, which further affected the crystalline phase, nanoparticle size and oxygen vacancies. The exsolved Fe-Ni alloy catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity, over which 96 % hydrogen of plastic wastes rapidly evolved out in the form of gas products accompanied with high-purity carbon nanotubes. The H2 yield was 415 mmol·g−1Hplastic, which exhibited an over 2 times improvement versus the supported catalyst. Moreover, the successive cycle test displayed the potential for converting plastic wastes into H2-rich fuels and high-quality CNTs continuously. Generally, the in-situ exsolution strategy of Fe-Ni alloy catalysts contributed to the sustainable and high-efficient recycling of plastic wastes into H2-rich gas products and carbon nanotubes under microwave plasma.

Catalysis/CO2 sorption enhanced pyrolysis-gasification of biomass for H2-rich gas production: Effects of activated carbon, NiO active component and calcined dolomite

This study aims to reveal the effects of activated carbon (AC), NiO active component and calcined dolomite addition on the H2-rich gas production from pyrolysis-gasification of biomass, the experiments were conducted on a two-staged fixed-bed reactor with sawdust (SD) as biomass feedstock. It was found that the H2-rich gas production was largely enhanced by AC catalyst due to its catalytic effect on volatiles gasification as well as its self-gasification during the process. Lower impregnation ratio of ZnCl2 or H3PO4 to biomass was preferable to the H2 production. H3PO4 activation char (PAC) might keep more active structures with higher AC yields compared with ZnCl2 activation char (ZAC). NiO would mainly enter into the micropores of AC, possibly covered some of the active sites on AC surface, thus caused the decrease in AC self-gasification, although certain catalytic effect of NiO on H2 production was also observed. Additional calcined dolomite introduction together with NiO/AC catalyst could further increase the H2 concentration and yield. A remarkable synergistic strengthening effect was found between NiO/PAC-SD catalyst and calcined dolomite, the maximum H2 concentration and yield of 62.54 vol% and 1343.52 mL/g biomass were achieved with the addition of NiO/PAC-SD-1 and calcined dolomite due to the combination of in situ CO2 sorption enhancing effect and NiO/PAC-SD-1 catalytic effect as well as the enhanced AC self-gasification. It is thus illustrated that the catalysis/sorption enhanced pyrolysis-gasification of biomass using NiO/AC catalyst and calcined dolomite is an effective way to produce a H2-rich gas and shows a good prospect in the carbon-constrained future.

Effects of quicklime conditioning on the volatile reforming and tar elimination performance of sewage sludge pyrochar

The pyrochar of sewage sludge can be exploited for catalytic tar reforming since the developed pore structure and high metal content. However, Fe in the raw sludge tends to form Fe-S and Fe-P during pyrolysis, which inhibits catalytic activity of pyrochar. Here, the wet sludge was conditioned with quicklime, and the pyrochar was used to reform sewage sludge pyrolysis volatiles. The results showed that H2 generation from pyrochar reforming increased by 55.2% after conditioning. In addition, the tar elimination achieved the highest ratio (79.6%) compared with unconditioned char and quicklime, while PAHs and N-compounds were concentrated in tar with the relative content 46.9% and 37.1% due to the significant removal of other tar compounds such as oxygenates. During pyrolysis, a proportion of added CaO captured P and S anions which favored the formation of Ca2Fe2O5 and Fe-O, while the remaining CaO (21.9%) was highly dispersed on pyrochar. This promoted both the catalytic tar cracking effects and the CO2 absorption of the char. These findings provide a novel method to produce H2-rich gas from sewage sludge pyrolysis with less tar yield.

Barren ground depressions, natural H2 and orogenic gold deposits: Spatial link and geochemical model

A review of the localities in continental rocks where H2-rich gases have been reported, showed that they are mainly located near orogenic gold deposits. Two types of geomorphological features known as markers of gas venting in sedimentary basins were also systematically observed near orogenic gold deposits on satellite images. They consist in both barren ground depressions and high densities of small (<20 m in diameter) circular- and comet-shaped white spots in 32 and 7 localities, respectively. Point pattern analysis revealed that the white spots are self-organized, and similar to previously described vegetation patterns associated with termite mounds and fairy circles. We proposed a geochemical model to account for this relationship between orogenic gold deposits, H2 emanations and geomorphological features. Fe‑carbonates are ubiquitous mineral products associated with gold mineralization. They can further dissolve in the presence of aqueous fluid due to their high reactivity below 200 °C to produce magnetite and up to ∼1 mol H2 per kg of rock along with ∼3 mol/kg CO2. This process induces a solid volume decrease of 50 %. Therefore, we propose that Fe‑carbonate dissolution is (1) the primary source of H2 in orogenic gold deposit areas, and (2) involved in the formation of the geomorphological structures reported here, providing a new framework to understand their seemingly complex formation. Ground depressions and white spots are possible tools for gold exploration. Actually, we identified four new areas where we suspect possible orogenic gold deposits. The association between H2-rich gas and ground depressions was also made near other formations containing Fe‑carbonates such as iron formations and carbonatites. This suggests that H2 production through Fe‑carbonate dissolution is not restricted to gold deposits. The global H2 production in crustal rocks associated with Fe‑carbonate alteration is estimated to 3 × 105 mol/yr.

Enhanced activity of NiZrBEA catalyst for upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors to H2-rich gas

The main objective of these studies was development of competitive catalyst for the upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors to H2-rich gas. The performed experiments were devoted to determination of the effect of incorporation of zirconium into the structure of BEA zeolite on the performance of NiBEA in the mentioned process. Moreover, the most important parameters responsible for the increased activity of NiZrBEA catalyst in comparison to nickel supported on parent zeolite have been identified. The activity of synthesized catalysts was tested in two step fixed bed quartz reactor. Firstly, cellulose or pine were heated to the 500 °C in order to decompose lignocellulosic feedstock. Then, formed pyrolysis vapors were directed through catalyst bed (700 °C) where their upgrading took place. The obtained results revealed that an introduction of zirconium in the structure of BEA zeolite allowed for the increase in the efficiency of Ni catalyst in the formation of H2-rich gas. It was related to the increase in pore volume of the synthesized materials, formation of smaller nickel oxide crystallites and creation of the catalysts with moderate acidity.

Phenols-enriched biofuel and H2-rich gas from catalytic fast pyrolysis/gasification of agricultural biomass over a novel heavy metals-containing livestock manure biochar catalyst

It is a thorny issue to properly handle heavy metals-contaminated livestock manure. The transformation of the heavy-metals-contaminated livestock manure into valuable carbonaceous material has motivated our curiosity. Herein, this study provided a new concept of valorizing the contaminated manure into heavy metals-containing biochar catalysts for catalytic fast pyrolysis/gasification of biomass to manufacture phenols-enriched biofuel and H2-rich gas. The versatile Cu, Pb, and Zn-containing cow manure biochar catalysts were newly prepared from Cu, Pb, and Zn-contaminated livestock manure through a single-step energy-efficient thermal process. Cu and Pb-containing biochar catalysts prepared at 500 °C were more favorable for the production of bio-oil and organic phase, and up to 41.20% of phenolics was found in the bio-oil by using the Pb-containing biochar catalyst. The highest gas yield (51.55 wt%), equaling to 550 NmL/gWS, was observed in the presence of Cu-containing biochar catalyst prepared at 500 °C. Meanwhile, the H2 concentration was elevated to 35.85 vol%, and the H2 yield was correspondingly promoted to 197 NmL/gWS. Additionally, a deep knowledge of the reaction mechanisms regarding the catalytic fast pyrolysis/gasification of biomass over heavy metals-containing biochar catalysts was elucidated. Overall, this study provided a novel way to valorize heavy metals-contaminated livestock manure into effective biochar catalysts for catalytic fast pyrolysis/gasification of biomass to produce phenols-enriched bio-fuel or H2-rich gas.

Decomposition of Saccharides and Alcohols in Solution Plasma for Hydrogen Production

Solution plasma or in-liquid plasma, which is generated by gas-phase discharge within bubbles in a solution, is an exciting reaction field for biomass conversion. However, it is not fully elucidated how the solution plasma works to degrade biomass or how biomass is degraded in it. In this study, various saccharides and alcohols, mainly sucrose, were treated in solution plasma using a high-voltage pulse power supply to study the degradation mechanisms. Hydrolysis and gasification were observed in the solution-plasma treatment of sucrose. The former was mainly influenced by the water temperature, and the latter was mainly influenced by the discharge power. Therefore, it was inferred that hydrolysis occurred in the hot-compressed water region around the plasma, and gasification occurred at the interface between the plasma and water. Gasification of saccharides and alcohols produced H2-rich gases, but gasification was faster for high-volatility alcohols and slower for non-volatile saccharides. The formation of H2-rich gas can be attributed to H2 formation by the water–gas shift reaction of CO and direct H2 formation from water, in addition to H2 from the sample.

H2-rich gas production from steam gasification of a winery waste and its blends with industrial wastes. Effect of operating parameters on gas quality and efficiency

A winery waste and its blends with industrial wastes were gasified by steam via a two-step process, employing a fixed bed reactor and a thermal analysis-mass spectrometer unit. Solid materials were characterized in terms of elemental analysis, heating value, internal structure and chemical functional groups, whereas bio-oil, pyrolysis gas and syngas were quantitatively analysed. The effect of temperature, steam-to-biomass ratio and fuel composition on carbon conversion, cold gas efficiency, energy recovery, reaction rate, gas composition and quality were determined and kinetic analysis was performed. When industrial wastes waste wood shavings and refused derived fuel were blended with grape husks and curls at ratios 30:70, upgraded fuels were produced. At 850 °C organic matter was almost completely converted to syngas upon steam gasification. A first-order kinetic model fitted the experimental results successfully, with activation energy values ranging between 54.3 kJ/mol and 143.5 kJ/mol. An increase in steam-to-biomass ratio from 0.5 to 3 resulted in a higher concentration of hydrogen in product gas, while excess steam enhanced hydrogen yield up to 74%. Energy recovery from all fuels was high, cold gas efficiency reached a value of 66% and the higher heating value of syngas ranged between 9.6 and 11.4 MJ/m3.