Hydrogen from biomass:: Steam reforming of model compounds of fast-pyrolysis oil

We investigated the production of hydrogen by the catalytic steam reforming of model compounds of biomass fast-pyrolysis oil (bio-oil). Acetic acid, m-cresol, dibenzyl ether, glucose, xylose, and sucrose were reformed using two commercial nickel-based catalysts for steam reforming naphtha. The experiments were conducted at a methane-equivalent gas hourly space velocity (G(C1)HSV) from 500 to 11790 h(-1). Steam-to-carbon ratios (S/C) of 3 and 6 and catalyst temperatures from 550 to 810 degrees C were selected. Rapid coking of the catalyst was observed during acetic acid reforming at temperatures lower than 650 degrees C. Acetic acid, m-cresol, and dibenzyl ether were completely converted to hydrogen and carbon oxides above this temperature, and hydrogen yields ranged from 70 to 90% of the stoichiometric potential, depending on the feedstock and reforming conditions. Sugars were difficult to reform because they readily decomposed through pyrolysis in the freeboard of the reactor. This led to the formation of char and gases before contacting the catalyst particles.