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Lignocellulosic Biomass Gasification: Perspectives, Challenges, and Methods for Tar Elimination

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  • Hortência E. P. Santana

    (RENORBIO—Northeastern Biotechnology Network, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49107-230, Brazil
    PROBIO—Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49107-230, Brazil)

  • Meirielly Jesus

    (CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Joana Santos

    (CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Ana Cristina Rodrigues

    (CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
    proMetheus-Research Unit on Materials, Energy and Environment for Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Preciosa Pires

    (CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • Denise S. Ruzene

    (RENORBIO—Northeastern Biotechnology Network, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49107-230, Brazil
    PROBIO—Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49107-230, Brazil
    CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
    CCET—Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49107-230, Brazil)

  • Isabelly P. Silva

    (CCET—Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49107-230, Brazil)

  • Daniel P. Silva

    (RENORBIO—Northeastern Biotechnology Network, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49107-230, Brazil
    PROBIO—Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49107-230, Brazil
    CISAS—Center for Research and Development in Agrifood Systems and Sustainability, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal
    CCET—Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão 49107-230, Brazil)

Abstract

Gasification of lignocellulosic biomass has been widely highlighted as one of the most robust and promising low-carb approaches toward sustainable energy production. The gasification syngas obtained from agro-industrial residues can produce heat, power, biohydrogen, and other drop-in biofuels via F-T (Fischer-Tropsch) synthesis. However, the tar formation during the thermochemical process imposes severe limitations on the commercial scale of this technology. Tar elimination is a critical step for avoiding damage to equipment and not restricting the further application of syngas. In this context, this work sheds light on the biomass gasification field and reviews some aspects of tar formation and technologies for its reduction and removal. The approaches for dealing with tar are primary methods, which suppress or remove tar within the gasifier, and secondary methods, which remove tar in post-operation treatment. Catalytic reforming offers the most cost-effective pathway to removing tar. The bimetallic combination of nickel with other metals and using biochar as support have been intensely investigated, showing excellent tar conversion capacity. Recent research has provided new trends in non-thermal plasma-catalyzed biomass tar reforming. Future studies should focus on the integration of catalysts with multiple techniques to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Hortência E. P. Santana & Meirielly Jesus & Joana Santos & Ana Cristina Rodrigues & Preciosa Pires & Denise S. Ruzene & Isabelly P. Silva & Daniel P. Silva, 2025. "Lignocellulosic Biomass Gasification: Perspectives, Challenges, and Methods for Tar Elimination," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-42, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:1888-:d:1597697
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