Hydrogen from biomass: Steam reforming of model compounds of fast-pyrolysis oil

We investigated the production of hydrogen by the catalytic steam reforming of model compounds of biomass fast-pyrolysis oil (bio-oil). Acetic acid, m -cresol, dibenzyl ether, glucose, xylose, and sucrose were reformed using t wo commercial nickel-based catalysts for steam reforming naphtha. The exper iments were conducted at a methane-equivalent gas hourly space velocity (G( C1)HSV) from 500 to 11790 h(-1). Steam-to-carbon ratios (S/C) of 3 and 6 an d catalyst temperatures from 550 to 810 degrees C were selected. Rapid coki ng of the catalyst was observed during acetic acid reforming at temperature s lower than 650 degrees C. Acetic acid, m-cresol, and dibenzyl ether were completely converted to hydrogen and carbon oxides above this temperature, and hydrogen yields ranged from 70 to 90% of the stoichiometric potential, depending on the feedstock and reforming conditions. Sugars were difficult to reform because they readily decomposed through pyrolysis in the freeboar d of the reactor. This led to the formation of char and gases before contac ting the catalyst particles.