Catalytic steam gasification of food waste using Ni-loaded rice husk derived biochar for hydrogen production. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farooq, Abid; Jang, Seong-Ho; Lee, See Hoon; Jung, Sang-Chul; Rhee, Gwang Hoon; Jeon, Byong-Hun; Park, Young-Kwon
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 280(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Biochar -- Biomass -- Food waste -- Gasification -- Hydrogen; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: The disposal of food waste (FW) is a major cause of environmental contamination. This study reports an environmentally friendly FW disposal method in the form of catalytic steam gasification using various types of Ni-loaded chars (untreated char, steam-treated char, and ZnCl2 -treated char). The results were also compared with the gasification results from the Ni catalysts supported on commercial α-alumina (Ni/α-Al2 O3 ). The Ni/steam-treated char showed the maximum hydrogen generation (0.471 mol/(g feedstockg cat)) because of the high reducibility, high nickel dispersion, large amount of inherent K and Ca, and moderate surface area. The overall gas and H2 yield were observed in the following order: Ni/steam-treated char > Ni/ZnCl2 treated char > Ni/untreated char > Ni/α-Al2 O3 . Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis of various catalysts showed that the treated chars have a mesoporous structure, and the X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive spectroscopy showed that the presence of silica in the chars providing the stable support for the Ni loading and prevented coke formation. The chars obtained from biomass pretreatment could be a potential solution for preventing coke formation at high temperatures, thereby increasing the gas yield and enhancing hydrogen generation. Highlights: Rich husk derived biochar was applied to the catalytic gasification of food waste. Ni/steam treated char showed maximum hydrogen generation (0.471 mol/(g feedstock. g cat)). Synergistic effect of added Ni and inherent K and Ca in char promoted H2 formation. The biochar as a support seems to be an economical solution for enhanced H2 generation.