A highly efficient bimetallic/biochar composite with enhanced catalytic reforming of pyrolysis tar: Performance and mechanism

In this study, a highly efficient bimetallic Ni-Fe/char composite catalyst has been synthesized successfully for catalytic cracking of pyrolysis tar and displays excellent catalytic cracking performance with tar conversion efficiency of 95.6 % (35.2 % of H₂ yield). The results showed that at the steam/carbon ratio, the reaction temperature and gas residence time of 1.0, 800 °C and 0.5 s respectively, the bimetallic char-supported catalysts showed outstanding catalytic performance compared with traditional catalyst, in which the N6F6/C exhibited the best activity under the same conditions. The catalytic mechanism of Ni[sbnd]Fe based catalysts can be attributed to the formation of a Ni[sbnd]Fe alloy. Furthermore, the synergy of Ni and Fe contributed to greater activity for toluene cracking and enhancement of fuel-gas yield. Bimetallic Ni[sbnd]Fe alloy catalysts have a promising potential for application as highly efficient catalysts for tar removal and reutilization via catalytic cracking.