Catalytic upgrading nitrogen-riched wood syngas to liquid hydrocarbon mixture over a Fe–Pd/ZSM-5 catalyst

Biomass like wood chips, switchgrass and other plant residues are first converted to syngas through gasification process using air, oxygen or steam. A downdraft gasifier is performed for syngas production in Mississippi State. The syngas from the gasifier contains up to 49% (vol) N2. High-level nitrogen-containing (nitrogen can be up to 60%) synthesis gas is converted to liquid hydrocarbon mixture through a one-stage catalytic process with a Fe–Pd/ZSM-5 catalyst. The Fe–Pd/ZSM-5 catalyst shows relatively high activity and selectivity in producing liquid hydrocarbons when running with nitrogen-rich syngas. The CO conversion, hydrocarbon selectivity and hydrocarbon distribution as a function of temperature, pressure, GHSV, composition of the feed, and reaction time are examined.

► The syngas from the gasifier contains up to 49% N2. ► Nitrogen-rich syngas is converted to liquid fuels with a Pd–Fe/H+-ZSM-5 catalyst. ► The Pd–Fe/H+-ZSM-5 catalyst shows high activity and selectivity.