Review of Catalysts for Tar Elimination in Biomass Gasification Processes

TLDR

The study aims to develop a cost‑effective tar‑elimination process downstream of a biomass gasifier by screening cheap catalysts and reviewing catalyst types used to reduce producer‑gas tars. Catalysts were screened in a fixed‑bed tubular reactor and classified into mineral and synthetic types, with a review of their use in reducing producer‑gas tars. The review summarizes catalyst performance and recommends promising candidates and directions for future research.

Abstract

A project is carried out to develop a process for tar elimination downstream of a gasifier making use of cheap and active materials as catalysts. In the first stage of the project, screening of catalysts was carried out in a fixed-bed tubular reactor. The results of the fixed-bed experiments will be used in the design of the process. This paper presents a review of the various types of catalysts that have been used in several research works to reduce the tars in the producer gas derived from the biomass gasification process. The catalysts are divided into two classes according to their production method: minerals and synthetic catalysts. A summary of the review and recommendations for good catalyst candidates and future work are also provided.