Gasification of municipal solid waste (MSW) as a cleaner final disposal route: A mini-review

The production of hydrogen-rich syngas from municipal solid waste (MSW) by pyrolysis/gasification is one of the most promising waste-to-energy pathways for realizing a circular bioeconomy. This mini-review provides an overview of current research and development efforts in the field, focusing on the development of syngas upgrades and novel gasification processes, with the ultimate goal of making MSW gasification a sustainable and affordable route for the final disposal of MSW. A graphical assessment protocol is proposed to support comprehension of the main reactions that are involved in the MSW gasification. MSW gasification studies are reviewed with the prospects considered to provide a reference for future work.

Automated summary

This mini-review provides an overview of current research and development efforts in producing hydrogen-rich syngas from municipal solid waste (MSW) by pyrolysis/gasification. The focus is on syngas upgrades and novel gasification processes, with the goal of making MSW gasification a sustainable and affordable route for waste disposal. A graphical assessment protocol is proposed to aid in understanding the main reactions involved in MSW gasification, and future prospects are considered for reference in further studies.