Thermochemical Routes for Biomass-based Hydrogen Production

Abstract

This article presents a detailed review of thermochemical routes for hydrogen production from biomass as a renewable and alternative energy source. Hydrogen is currently derived from non-renewable natural gas and petroleum, but could, in principle, be generated from renewable resources such as biomass. The production of hydrogen from fossil fuels causes the co-production of CO₂, which is assumed to be the main factor responsible for the so-called “greenhouse effect.” The production of hydrogen from biomass has several advantages compared to that of fossil fuels. The methods available for hydrogen production from biomass can be divided into two main categories: thermochemical and biological routes. Hydrogen can be produced from biomass by pyrolysis, gasification, steam gasification, and steam-reforming of bio-oils.

Keywords:

• biomass
• gasification
• hydrogen
• pyrolysis
• steam gasification

Notes

^a 3% K₂CO₃ of the samples used as catalyst.