Biohydrogen synthesis from catalytic steam gasification of furniture waste using nickel catalysts supported on modified CeO2

Present study evaluated the catalytic steam gasification of furniture waste to enhance the biohydrogen production. To do this, 10 wt% nickel loaded catalysts on the variety of supports (Al2O3, CeO2, CeO2-La2O3, and CeO2–ZrO2) were prepared by the novel solvent deficient method. The hydrogen selectivity (vol%) order of the catalysts was achieved as Ni/CeO2–ZrO2>Ni/CeO2>Ni/Al2O3≃Ni/CeO2-La2O3. The best catalytic activity of Ni/CeO2–ZrO2 catalyst (~82 vol % H2 at 800 °C) was ascribed to the smaller size of nickel crystals, finely dispersed Ni on the catalyst surface, and Ce1-xZrxO2-δ solid solution. The role of Ce1-xZrxO2-δ solid solution in Ni/CeO2–ZrO2 catalyst was observed as bi-functional; acceleration of water-gas-shift and oxidation of carbon reaction. The high resistance of Ni/CeO2–ZrO2 towards the coke formation showed its potential to establish a cost-effective commercial-scale biomass steam gasification process. This study is expected to provide a promising solution for the disposal of furniture wastes for production of clean energy (biohydrogen).