Syngas production with low tar content from cellulose pyrolysis in molten salt combined with

The syngas production from cellulose pyrolysis was studied in carbonate salts combined with nickel supported on alumina catalyst (MS-Ni) in a preheated reactor. Tar content was greatly reduced by 10 folds when compared to that of the pyrolysis in argon gas (Ar). Molten salt resulted in the reduction of tar and CO2 formation due to the rapid heating of 141 degrees C/s alter the pyrolysis pathway to produce more syngas products. Further tar elimination was promoted with the presence of nickel supported on alumina catalyst in the salt. Tar was reduced by 5 folds when compared to that the pyrolysis in sole molten salt (MS). Tar from pyrolysis in MS-Ni was about 1 wt%. In addition, CH4 could be reformed with CO2 into additional syngas over the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst. As a result, the pyrolysis in the combined salt and catalyst exhibited high syngas yield at 824 mL/g cellulose. Moreover, alumina particles enhanced the heat transfer in the molten salt, resulting in the highest heating rate of 181 degrees C/s obtained in MS-Ni medium. However, the catalyst deactivation was a serious issue in combining molten salt with Ni/Al2O3 catalyst. The high corrosiveness would damage the alumina support, while the Ni active metal would be leached from the catalyst particles, resulting in the catalyst deactivation.

Automated summary

The research on syngas production from cellulose pyrolysis showed that combining carbonate salts with alumina-supported nickel catalyst can significantly reduce tar content, increase gas yield, and decrease CO2 formation. However, catalyst deactivation due to corrosiveness of molten salt is a serious issue that needs to be addressed to maintain catalyst performance.