A Comprehensive Review in Microwave Pyrolysis of Biomass, Syngas Production and Utilisation

Abstract

Lignocellulosic and waste materials, such as sewage sludge, can be broken down into its useful constituents and converted into fuel for engines. This paper investigates microwave pyrolysis to decompose biomass into H2 and CO (syngas), which may be catalysed in the Fischer–Tropsch (F-T) process to liquid biofuels. Using microwave radiation as the heat source for pyrolysis proves to yield large quantities of gas with higher concentrations of H2 and CO compared to conventional heating methods. This is largely due to the energy transfer mechanism of microwaves. Pyrolysis parameters such as temperature (which increases with input power), feedstock type, microwave absorber, and biomass moisture content influence syngas yield. Several papers reviewed for this study showed differing optimal conditions for microwave pyrolysis, all being heavily dependent on the biomass used and its composition. However, all researchers agreed on the thermal efficiency of microwave heating and how its material-selective nature can increase syngas yield. Compared to diesel fuels (while processing a similar efficiency and a higher cetane number), FT fuels and specifically pyrolysis may yield the benefit of reduced nitric oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), unburnt hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.

A Review on the Use of Catalysis for Biogas Steam Reforming

“…Hydrogen production is a perfect example of green chemistry, contributing to the transition to more renewable energies and the sustainable growth of population areas [20,21]. Pure hydrogen, as well as syngas (a mixture of hydrogen with CO), have been gaining importance recently, as they can be used as an energy carrier or in interesting industrial processes, like methanol synthesis (or more complex compounds) through Fischer-Tropsch reactions [22,23].…”