Biomass pyrolysis oils for hydrogen production using chemical looping reforming

► Pine and palm empty fruit bunches pyrolysis oil shown as feedstock for steam reforming. ► Ni-Al2O3 shown as suitable oxygen transfer material in chemical looping reforming of bio-oils. ► Operating temperature of 600 °C successful, 200 °C lower than usual. ► Little methane by-product, yield of H2 close to 80% of maximum. ► Capacity to reduce the NiO decreases with cycles: to be investigated further.