Effect of ZrO2/CeO2 mixed oxides on fuel gas production during self-sustaining smouldering combustion of lignocellulosic wastes

Abstract

This study investigates the catalytic effects of ZrO₂/CeO₂ mixed oxides on product gases produced via self-sustaining smouldering combustion of lignocellulosic biomass. A series of smouldering experiments were conducted in a purpose-built reactor. Experiments were conducted at varied airflow rates and moisture content. For all experiments, gas produced from the smouldering processes was sampled and gas concentrations of H₂, CO, CO₂ and CH₄ were determined via gas chromatography. The addition of ZrO₂/CeO₂ mixed oxides showed a significant improvement in the H₂ concentration, but decreased CH₄, suggesting that these catalysts promoted dry reforming reactions, and a decrease in the smouldering temperatures and did not improve HHV of the product gases.