Steam Reforming of Woody Biomass in a Fluidized Bed of Iron Oxide-Impregnated Porous Alumina

Abstract

Steam reforming of woody biomass in a fluidized bed was performed at 773, 873, or 973 K. Nonporous silica sand, porous γ-alumina and iron oxide-impregnated porous γ-alumina (Fe-impregnated alumina) were used as bed materials. The addition of iron oxide to the alumina promoted H2 production at all the temperatures. Larger amounts of H2 were produced at higher temperatures. Tar evacuated during steam reforming was captured on the Fe-impregnated alumina, and the captured tar (referred to as coke) was reformed with steam to form H2. In addition to the reforming, a redox reaction occurred on the iron oxide: CO produced during steam reforming was consumed to reduce the iron oxide, and the reduced iron oxide came into contact with steam to form H2. The redox reaction, rather than reforming of the coke, was the predominant pathway of H2 formation at higher temperatures.