Partial Oxidation of Tar into Syngas over Rh-Based Catalysts

Abstract

The performance of a Rh/LaCoO₃/Al₂O₃ catalyst has been investigated in the conversion of tar produced during biomass devolatilization into syngas using a dual fixed bed reactor set-up suitably developed. The effect of the addition of different levels of oxygen to the reaction mixture containing tarry compounds on the catalytic activity has been studied at 700 °C evaluating both the quality of the syngas produced and the extent of coke deposition on the catalyst surface. A comparison of the catalytic performance with that of catalysts containing Rh or LaCoO₃ only has been done as well as with that of a conventional Ni-based sample. Coke deposition strongly decreases up to totally disappearing for 3000 ppm O₂ for Rh/LaCoO₃/Al₂O₃ catalyst coupled to an increase in gas yield and a limited H₂ loss. H₂ and CO oxidations are conversely promoted by LaCoO₃/Al₂O₃ catalyst in the presence of O₂.

Keywords:

• Biomass
• Catalyst
• Partial oxidation
• Perovskite
• Rhodium
• Tar