The effects of prepared iron-based catalyst on the energy yield in gasification of rice straw

This research investigated the feasibility of enhanced energy yield in gasification of rice straw by using a prepared iron-based catalyst. The prepared iron-based catalyst containing 2% (wt%) Fe2O3 was produced by wet impregnation process. Based on the results of produced gas yield, the yield amounts of combustible gases increased with an increase in the prepared iron-based catalyst addition. In the case of gasification temperature 800 °C and below, the yield amount of combustible gas increased by using the prepared iron-based catalyst. Besides, the energy yield efficiency was approximately enhanced from 8% to 74% with the iron-based catalyst addition. In the case of gasification temperature 800 °C and iron-based catalyst addition, the energy yield efficiency of combustible gases is similar with that of gasification temperature 900 °C and without catalyst addition. That is, prepared iron-based catalyst has the good potential for converting rice straw into bio-energy and for reducing the energy requirement in gasification.