Microwave-induced Cracking and Reforming of Benzene on Activated Carbon

This study was conducted to convert tar generated during biomass pyrolysis/gasification to fuel gas through microwave process. Benzene was selected as a model tar, and the benzene reduction and produced-gas conversion characteristics were investigated for benzene cracking and CO2/steam reforming.The benzene conversion was the highest value of 99% when benzene cracking was performed, 98.5% when CO2 was supplied and 94% when steam was supplied. The produced-gas heating value was highest at 15 MJ/m3 for cracking, lowest at 4 MJ/m3 when CO2 was supplied, and 8.7 MJ/m3 when steam was supplied.In the case of CO2 reforming, the benzene conversion of the catalyst carbon receptor slightly increased for both the nickel and iron catalysts. The H2/CO ratio decreased, but the heating value increased. In the case of steam reforming, the benzene conversion slightly decreased for both catalysts, but the H2/CO ratio and the heating value increased.Graphic abstract

Source: Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification - November 29, 2018 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research