Optimized combustion of biomass volatiles by varying O2 and CO2 levels: A numerical simulation using a highly detailed soot formation reaction mechanism

► Optimized combustion of biomass volatiles by varying O2 and CO2 levels was studied. ► Effect of temperature on product concentration was more emphasized than that of pressure. ► High levels of CO2 at the inlet had a significant effect on PAH reduction at high temperatures (⩾1473 K). ► Higher temperatures provided the increased CO and H2. ► At low temperatures, the O2 input became important in reducing PAHs.