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Efficient in-situ removal of the trace ammonia in biomass-derived syngas by Fe-K-based biochar nano-catalysts

Author

Listed:
  • Yu, Zhihao
  • Guo, Zizhao
  • Lang, Lin
  • Zhang, Naixin
  • Yu, Yang
  • Wei, Jian
  • Ge, Qingjie
  • Yin, Xiuli
  • Wu, Chuangzhi

Abstract

Trace NH3 in biomass syngas greatly limited the widespread utilization of biomass gasification. Fe-based catalysts is a popular choice for hot gas cleanup, but with generally poor performance of NH3 decomposition below 700 °C. In this work, biochar nano-catalysts (BN) was simply prepared by one-step catalytic pyrolysis of herb residues, in which the K promoter efficiently adjust catalytic active sites and nano-sized dispersion of Fe nano-particles (NPs) in biochar. The mechanism of NH3 decomposition was investigated in He/H2, and gradually extended to the simulated biomass syngas. The Fe-K-based BN catalyst (Fe-K/BN) achieved NH3 conversion of 95.2 %, N2 selectivity of 96.3 %, and 120-h good stability in syngas (at the condition of 550 °C with 20 vol% steam). The superior catalytic performance stems from the stable presence of FeN/Fe3C active phases. K facilitated carbon deposition removal through steam promotion, while simultaneously inhibiting the reverse water-gas shift reaction to enhance trace NH3 adsorption in biomass-derived syngas. This work provides a promising strategy to develop a cost-effective and stable catalyst for biomass syngas cleanup.

Suggested Citation

  • Yu, Zhihao & Guo, Zizhao & Lang, Lin & Zhang, Naixin & Yu, Yang & Wei, Jian & Ge, Qingjie & Yin, Xiuli & Wu, Chuangzhi, 2025. "Efficient in-situ removal of the trace ammonia in biomass-derived syngas by Fe-K-based biochar nano-catalysts," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:249:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125008869
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123224
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