Sorption enhanced steam reforming of biomass-based feedstocks: Towards sustainable hydrogen evolution

Hydrogen stands out as a highly promising clean fuel for the future, owing to its high energy density and zero carbon emissions during its utilization. Biomass, as a renewable energy source with zero carbon emissions, has the potential to replace traditional fossil fuels for hydrogen production, addressing environmental issues associated with burning fossil fuels. Among the various biomass fuel production techniques, steam reforming of biomass-based feedstocks efficiently produces hydrogen-containing gas. Nonetheless, this process does suffer from low gas calorific value and elevated CO2 content. Consequently, a combination of sorption-enhanced and steam reforming technologies becomes crucial to maximize the use of biomass feedstocks for the production of hydrogen while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. This paper provides an overview of recent research advancements in the sorption-enhanced steam reforming of biomass-derived feedstocks. The effects of raw materials, temperature, and steam ratio on CO2 and H2 yields within the product gas are described in detail. The paper also provides a specific discourse on the adsorbents and catalysts currently employed in the application of sorption-enhanced technology, particularly emphasizing bifunctional materials possessing both adsorptive and catalytic properties, as they are considered more promising. Furthermore, this paper offers forward-looking perspectives to guide efficient hydrogen production from biomass while reducing carbon emissions. It emphasizes the ongoing need for further advancements in the synthesis of bifunctional materials, characterized by higher adsorption capacity and long-term stability, for their use in sorption-enhanced hydrogen production from biomass-based feedstocks.