Syngas Production from Biomass Gasification: Influences of Feedstock Properties, Reactor Type, and Reaction Parameters

Abstract

Syngas from biomass gasification can be used in downstream process industries such as city gas, hydrogen production, etc. In this review, the effects of biomass feedstock properties, and gasification reaction conditions (temperature, gasifier type, etc.) on syngas properties are systematically reviewed. In summary, the cracking and reforming of volatile fractions in the gasification process and the catalytic effect of alkali and alkaline earth metals in the ash on the gasification have a direct impact on the syngas yield. And biomass pretreatment (i.e., terrifying/hydrothermal carbonization) can reduce the moisture content, which can effectively reduce the energy required for gasification and enhance the calorific value and syngas yield further. The fixed-bed gasifiers produce lower amounts of syngas. The concentration of H2 is significantly increased by adding steam as a gasification agent. Additionally higher gasification temperatures produce more syngas, and an equivalence ratio of about 0.2-0.3 is considered suitable for gasification. For the influence of feedstock on syngas, this paper not only reviews the feedstock properties (volatile, ash, moisture) but also compares the influence of two pretreatments on syngas yield and proposes that the combination of torrefaction/hydrothermal carbonization and a multistage air bed gasifier is an important research direction to improve the combustible components of syngas. In addition to the summary of commonly used single gasification agents, two or more gasification agents on the concentration of syngas components are also discussed in the gasification parameters, and it is suggested that further research into the use of more than one gasification agent is also important for future syngas production.