Catalytic conversion of model tars over carbon-supported Ni and Fe

Tar removal from gasification gases is a determinant step to guarantee the operational feasibility of gasification-to-chemicals/energy systems. This study aimed to develop novel carbon-supported catalysts for the elimination of tarry aromatics (toluene, naphthalene and benzene) from gasification gases. Effects of reaction temperature (700 < T < 900 °C) and catalyst nature (Fe0 and Ni0) on the activity were assessed by considering thermo-catalytic conversion and steam reforming, under a simulated gasification gas. The catalysts (Ni and Fe) and support (AC) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 physisorption, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and compositional analyses. Both catalysts and support, presented a mesoporous-like texture with a considerable high surface area (690 < SBET < 743 m2/g). Furthermore, dispersion of the metal nanoparticles (active phase) was uniform as confirmed by TEM images. Results from activity tests suggest that Ni/AC has higher effectivity for converting tars than Fe/AC, as confirmed by the low apparent activation energies (34 < Eapp < 98 kJ/mol) for naphthalene and benzene conversion between 700 and 900 °C. The conversion was 100% above 850 °C; nevertheless; below 750 °C, a sharp reduction in benzene conversion was observed, which was attributed to reversible carbon deposition.