Methanation of bio-syngas over a biochar supported catalyst

Abstract

Biochar derived from the fast pyrolysis of lauan was activated to develop its pore structure and used as a catalyst support in the methanation of bio-syngas. The physicochemical properties of the support and the ruthenium (Ru)/activated biochar (ABC) catalysts used were characterized using multiple characterization techniques. The effect of Ru loading on bio-syngas methanation was investigated using a range of ABC supported Ru catalysts. CO conversion was low during bio-syngas methanation due to the low H₂ content and was increased upon increasing the Ru loading. However, increasing the H₂/(CO + CO₂) ratio in bio-syngas by addition of H₂ significantly improved the conversion of CO and CO₂. The CO₂ conversion was increased to 17.5% and 55%. CO conversion was 74% and 97% and the selectivity of CH₄ reached 84% and 92% using a H₂/(CO + CO₂) ratio of 2 and 4, respectively.