Thermochemical conversion routes of hydrogen production from organic biomass: processes, challenges and limitations

Hydrogen production from various organic biomass via thermochemical process is considered as a promising and economical viable technique. The advantages of this process are higher product yield and flexibility with current available facilities than other hydrogen production methods. Nowadays, large-scale hydrogen production from various biomass is the challenging process. Still, few thermochemical conversion process are yet in developing stage and there are several issues need to be solved for its successful pilot-scale operation, for example fluctuation equipment cost, availability of feedstocks, practical barriers, and public reception. Most of the researchers have strongly recommend that organic biomass is a suitable and predominant source of feedstock for hydrogen production. But, an extensive energy is required for the thermochemical conversion technologies to produce hydrogen rich syngas, due to extremely endothermic effect. In future, more research is required to reduce the emission of greenhouse gas and hydrogen production cost. In addition to this, certain mathematical modeling is required to reduce process energy demand. Detailed techno economic investigations are required to prior implementation of large-scale reactor. This review focuses on various thermochemical conversion technologies and their potential ways of hydrogen production using various organic biomass as a feedstock, challenges, and limitations associated with the process.