Advancements in biomass gasification research utilizing iron-based oxygen carriers in chemical looping: A review

Biomass, recognized as renewable green coal, is pivotal for energy conservation, emission reduction, and dual-carbon objectives. Chemical looping gasification, an innovative technology, aims to enhance biomass utilization efficiency. Using metal oxides as oxygen carriers regulates the oxygen-to-fuel ratio to optimize synthesis product yields. This review examines various oxygen carriers and their roles in chemical looping biomass gasification, including natural iron ore types, industrial by-products, cerium oxide-based carriers, and core-shell structures. The catalytic, kinetic, and phase transfer properties of iron-based oxygen carriers are analyzed, and their catalytic cracking capabilities are explored. Molecular interactions are elucidated and system performance is optimized by providing insights into chemical looping reaction mechanisms and strategies to improve carrier efficiency, along with discussing advanced techniques such as density functional theory (DFT) and reactive force field (ReaxFF) molecular dynamics (MD). This paper serves as a roadmap for advancing chemical looping gasification towards sustainable energy goals.