Catalytic direct gasification of kenaf at mild conditions and hydrogen production

In this study, direct gasification of kenaf biomass at mild temperature conditions (250-300ºC) were investigated for hydrogen gas production. In order to obtain high yielding hydrogen, optimum biomass/water ratio was determined. The highest hydrogen production yield was found in the gasification experiments which performed with 12 ml of water. Various catalysts which are soluble or insoluble in water were evaluated for hydrogen production. Activities of the catalysts were determined in the following order: Fe2O3 THF>acetone~methanol>tetraline. The highest hydrogen composition (47.7%) was found in the experiment which carried out by methanol addition. Effects of solvents based on hydrogen composition were found to be in the following order: methanol>acetone~THF>tetraline>xylene. On the other hand, duration of gasification experiments was also determined. It was found that gasification should be performed for 60 min in order to get highest hydrogen yield.