Pyrolysis waste char supported metallic catalyst for syngas production during catalytic reforming of benzene

Waste rice husk char supported Fe and Ni were synthesized to prepare the monometallic and bimetallic catalysts for removing the tar model compound benzene in a laboratory dual-stage reactor. The prepared catalysts were examined by microstructure and textural characterization to analyse catalytic performance and stability. The molar proportions of CO, H-2, CO2 and CH4 in the generated gas and the influence of residence time (tau) and the steam-to-carbon ratio (S/C) on the catalytic reaction were investigated. The results show that the rice husk char-based catalysts showed excellent catalytic activity for syngas production and benzene conversion. Under optimized conditions, the benzene conversion can reach 95.2%, and the mol% of syngas in the generated gas is greater than 93.0%, of which 91.0% is H-2. The experimental results show that the influence of residence time on catalytic performance is greater than that of the steam-to-carbon ratio, and that excessive tau or S/C values will have no more positive effect on the performance of the catalyst. The stable active sites on the catalyst surface can guarantee the catalytic activity in the reaction. Ultimately, rice husk char-based catalysts can be used to remove tar and produce syngas. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.