Catalytic reforming of volatiles from pyrolysis of biomass components over a novel Ni/magnesium slag catalyst

A novel magnesium slag (MS) supported nickel-based catalysts (Ni/MS) was prepared and tested in catalytic reforming of volatiles derived from the pyrolysis of biomass components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) and two biomass feedstocks (pine and straw). The physical and chemical properties of catalysts were characterized by XRD, TPR, BET, TEM, TPO-TGA and Raman spectroscopy. Ni/MS catalyst showed a higher tar removal efficiency than conventional Ni/γ-Al 2 O 3 under the same Ni loading. The tar conversion of cellulose hemicellulose and lignin reached 94.8 %, 92.0 % and 89.4 %, respectively over Ni/MS catalyst. In addition, the lignin content of the biomass feedstock appreciably affected the yield and dew point of tar. The highest increment in gas and H 2 yield (increased by 39.0 % and 106.4 %, respectively) was observed in cellulose. The highest decrement in tar dew point (from 166.4 ℃ to 53.0 ℃) was observed in hemicellulose. The excellent tar removal of Ni/MS was attributed to the metallic Ni and Ni-Fe alloy on catalyst surface. Besides, the MgO and Fe 2 O 3 phases in the support can retard the carbon deposition during the reaction. The results of this study are expected to provide insightful guidance for the application of Ni/MS catalysts for pyrolysis/gasification of biomass.