(427b) Ni-Catalyzed Aqueous Phase Liquefaction of Biomass for Hydrogen Production

H2 is a green fuel with much higher energy density as compared with the conventionally used fossil fuels. In this investigation, aqueous phase reforming of waste biomass was studied in presence of nickel sulfate catalyst. Experiments were performed with a slurry of 10-20 wt% biomass (waste paper, cellulose, lignin, wood powder) in distilled water previously mixed with 3-10wt% catalyst at 150-250oC in a high temperature high pressure reactor. After the reaction, the slurry obtained was filtered and extracted in different organic solvents and further analyzed using FTIR. The gas-phase from the reactor was analyzed using GC provided with the thermal conductivity detector, which indicated presence of CO2, CO, CH4, and H2 gases. The conversion and selectivity of nickel sulfate catalyst towards hydrogen generation was compared with nickel chloride, and nickel nitrate to understand the role of Ni2+ and various anions. Enrichment of hydrogen and hydrocarbon in the gas-phase was accomplished by selective heterogeneous catalytic reaction involving the use of Ni and Ni/Cu supported mesoporous SiO2/Al2O3 material. The Ni and Ni/Cu supported catalysts were prepared using co-precipitation method involving addition of nickel hexhydrate, copper sulfate, ethylene glycol and TEOS precursor. The effects of reaction temperature, catalyst, and catalyst concentration on liquefaction of biomass and production of H2 and hydrocarbons will be presented.