Steam Pyrolysis and Catalytic Steam Reforming of Biomass for Hydrogen and Biochar Production

Abstract

Steam pyrolysis of woody biomass followed by catalytic steam reforming of pyrolysis vapors for renewable hydrogen production has been the center of attraction for many bench scale studies in recent years; however, sufficient pre-commercial testing has not been conducted or reported in literature. In addition, it is known that the cost of renewable hydrogen production could be reduced by co-production of biochar, a solid pyrolysis product used in carbon sequestration and soil enhancement for agriculture. This article presents results of a pilot-scale study for renewable hydrogen production from commercially available pine and peanut hull pellet biomass. In addition, the effect of temperature on biochar yield, pH, and its nutrient properties was also documented in bench-scale studies using pine chip, pine bark, hardwood, and peanut hull pellet biomass.