Mechanism of hydrogen production in biomass gasification catalyzed by K+-modified cement clinker

Catalysts play a pivotal role in the biomass gasification process. This study investigated the use of K⁺-modified cement clinker catalysts for biomass gasification, aimed at producing hydrogen-rich synthesis gas. Catalysts with K/cement clinker (Cm) concentrations of 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % were prepared using the impregnation method. The as-prepared catalysts were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effects of K⁺-modified cement clinker concentration, biomass gasification temperature, and biomass-to-catalyst ratio on product yield were examined through gasification experiments conducted in a bubbling bed reactor. The results indicated that K⁺-loaded cement clinker considerably enhanced catalytic activity. At a temperature of 900 °C, K⁺ concentration of 15 % and a biomass-to-catalyst ratio of 5:2, the hydrogen yield reached 47.2 g/kg, representing a 240 % increase compared to hydrogen production from pure biomass gasification.