Study on the preparation of NiFe2O4@CeO2-ZSM-5 and its application in the coupled catalytic reforming of bamboo sawdust via steam gasification

Abstract

Utilizing biomass steam gasification is an effective way to produce green hydrogen and achieve clean energy. This study focuses on biomass gasification coupled with inline co-steam catalytic reforming (BGCSR) to enhance hydrogen yield and tar removal rates. In the BGCSR process, a composite support loaded with NiFe₂O₄ catalyst is used for the gasification of bamboo sawdust coupled with catalytic reforming to generate hydrogen-rich syngas. First, CeO₂ and ZSM-5 are prepared as a composite support, and then NiFe₂O₄ is loaded for application in the BGCSR process. The NiFe₂O₄@CeO₂-ZSM-5 catalyst demonstrates a positive effect on hydrogen yield, achieving a maximum H₂ yield of 336.15 mmol/g under optimal conditions, which is an increase of 121.92 mmol/g compared to the absence of a catalyst and an improvement of 25.89 mmol/g compared to using ZSM-5 alone as a support. After being reused seven times, the catalyst maintains a high stability in H₂ yield, indicating that the CeO₂ and ZSM-5 composite support significantly enhances the activity and stability of the NiFe₂O₄ catalyst. These results are related to the properties of the composite catalyst support, where CeO₂ inhibits the decomposition of ZSM-5 and increases the lattice oxygen content. The redox cycling of Ce^3 + and Ce⁴⁺ improves the surface properties of the catalyst, and the generated oxygen vacancies effectively promote the reforming reactions of tar and steam. Overall, this research provides a novel and effective method for the preparation of catalysts for biomass gasification combined with inline co-steam catalytic reforming to minimize tar production.