Hydrothermal Gasification of Waste Biomass under Alkaline Conditions

Hydrothermal gasification is a promising technology for the treatment of wet organic biomass, and as such, has been subject to significant research effort. It is well known that two groups of catalysts exhibit high activity for hydrothermal gasification broadly classified as platinum group metals and alkali salts. In the present work, this effect is further investigated through a study of the synergistic effects of sodium carbonate and Pt/Al(2)O(3) on gas yield from cellulose at 315 degrees C. Results indicate that dilute alkali appears far more efficient in promoting gasification reactions in the presence of Pt/Al(2)O(3). Potential mechanisms and a comparison with the alkaline degradation pathways of glucose are discussed.