Pyrolysis/gasification of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin for hydrogen production in the presence of various nickel-based catalysts

► H2 is produced via catalytic steam pyrolysis/gasification of biomass components. ► Lignin generates the highest residue compared with cellulose and xylan. ► Ni-based catalysts improve the production of gas and H2. ► NiCaAl (1:1) showed the best catalytic activity in relation to H2 production. ► Low coke deposition was obtained on the surface of the reacted catalysts.