International journal of Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics
Advancing Clean Energy: The Role of Biohydrogen Technology
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University.
Abstract
The process of gasification turns carbonaceous materials derived from biomass or fossil fuels into gases, with nitrogen (N2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) being the main fractions. By reacting carbonaceous materials (coal, petroleum, and biomass) with a regulated amount of oxygen and/or steam at high temperatures, a thermochemical process known as gasification produces carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Methanol and chemicals like urea and ammonia, which are the building blocks of many fertilizers, can be produced via the gasification process. Additionally, gasification can assist in the production of transportation fuels from biomass, coal, oil, and sands. Drying, pyrolysis, combustion, cracking, and reduction are the five distinct thermal processes that make up gasification. Gasifiers can be broadly divided into three categories: (i) fluidized-bed gasifiers; (ii) entrained-flow gasifiers; and (iii) fixed-bed gasifiers, also known as moving-bed gasifiers.Gasification is a versatile and efficient process that offers several advantages over direct combustion, including higher energy efficiency and lower emissions of pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The synthesis gas (syngas) produced can be further processed to generate electricity, synthetic natural gas (SNG), or even liquid fuels through Fischer- Tropsch synthesis. Additionally, gasification technology plays a crucial role in waste-to-energy applications, allowing for the conversion of municipal solid waste (MSW) and industrial waste into valuable energy products. Advances in gasification technology continue to improve its economic feasibility and environmental sustainability, making it a key player in the transition to cleaner energy sources.
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