Status and Future Prospects of Hydrogen Production from Biomass and Wastes by Pyrolysis-Gasification and Reforming Processes

Abstract

This study examines the production of hydrogen, which is attracting much attention as a new source of energy, from biomass resources and various wastes by considering future material cycles in society. The technological aspects of thermal pyrolysis-gasification and reforming processes for generating hydrogen and useful C-1 compounds, as well as processes for purifying and separating synthesized gases, are investigated. Major and minor contaminants that could adversely affect the environment and cause problems for downstream systems such as fuel cells are also discussed. The paper surveys the latest gasification and reforming technologies and then identifies problems related to raising the efficiency of the processes by using catalysts.