Syngas production by biomass gasification using Rh/CeO2/SiO2 catalysts and fluidized bed reactor

We have been developed novel catalysts for gasification of biomass with much higher energy efficiency than conventional methods (non-catalyst, dolomite, commercial steam reforming Ni catalyst). From the result of the gasification of cellulose over novel Rh/CeO2/SiO2 catalysts, it is found that the gasification process consists of the reforming of tar and the combustion of solid carbon. We also tested novel Rh/CeO2/SiO2 in the gasification with air, pyrogasification, and steam reforming of cedar wood. As a result, Rh/CeO2/SiO2 gave higher yield of syngas than the conventional steam reforming Ni catalyst. Furthermore, we compared the performance between single and dual bed reactors. Single bed reactor was effective in the gasification of cedar, however, it was not suitable for the gasification of rice straw since a rapid deactivation was observed. Gasification of rice straw, jute stick, baggase using the fluidized dual-bed reactor and Rh/CeO2/SiO2 was also investigated. Especially, the catalyst stability in the gasification of rice straw clearly was enhanced by using the fluidized dual bed reactor. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.