Microwave-assisted pyrolysis of bamboo coupled with reforming by activated carbon for the production of hydrogen-rich syngas

In this study, microwave-assisted pyrolysis of bamboo (MAPB) coupled with reforming enabled by activated carbon (REAC) was proposed for the production of hydrogen-rich syngas under mild operating conditions. The conventional bamboo pyrolysis and the reforming of its bio-oil and gaseous fraction were also conducted. The bio-oil yield via microwave-assisted pyrolysis is lower than that of conventional pyrolysis. Through further reforming, the bio-oil yield dropped to 0.3 wt.% and the yield of gas products increased accordingly. It was found that MAPB coupled with REAC showed high H₂ selectivity. The maximum H₂ fraction in gas product reached 55.7 vol.%. It was found that activated carbon created a reducing environment favoring deoxidation reaction during the course of reforming; microwave irradiation enhanced the cracking reaction and subsequently resulted in the formation of H₂-rich syngas. The MAPB-REAC is a potential approach for the conversion of biomass into hydrogen-rich syngas.