A review of the state-of-the-art in solar-driven gasification processes with carbonaceous materials

Gasification of carbonaceous feedstock with process heat derived from concentrated solar irradiation has been shown as a promising renewable pathway towards producing synthesis gas (mixtures of H2/CO and some CO2). The carbonaceous feedstock is upgraded in calorific content equal to the enthalpy change of the endothermic reaction, which results in the net storage of solar energy in a chemical form. The process is carbon-neutral when biomass is used and the feedstock is transformed into a fuel with applications to more efficient processes (e.g., Air-Brayton cycle), and the resulting syngas can be converted to liquid hydrocarbon fuels via know catalytic routes. A comprehensive summary is provided of the state-of-the-art in solar gasification, including thermodynamic and kinetic analyses and thermochemical reactor modeling, fabrication and testing for a range of carbonaceous feedstocks.