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 Ce_1-xZr_xO_2-δ solid solution. The role of Ce_1-xZr_xO_2-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).