A new approach for integrated system of biomass gasification combined reforming and desulfurization processes consisting of Ni/Al₂O₃ and Cu-Zn₂TiO₄ heterostructure ceramic filters

Integrated gasification processes have been presented as a potential solution to intensify performance by combining unit operations. Hence, this study was aimed to arrange desulfurization and hydrocarbon reforming stages in series for biomass gasification technology. Cu-Zn₂TiO₄ incorporated with CaSiO₃ filters (CuZT/pCF) were successfully synthesized by ball-milling for desulfurization step. The characterizations of the samples indicated CuZT grains were effectively placed into the host lattice. 20%CuZT loading remarkably enhanced the sulfur capture under reducing (48.1%) and oxidizing (39.8%) atmospheres by increasing affinity and preventing diffusion limitation. Besides, the impregnated filter with Ni/Al₂O₃ exhibited higher catalytic activity towards simultaneously CH₄ (73%) and C₆H₆ (85%) reforming, however the performances were decreased in the presence of H₂S. The hindered performance was accomplished by integrating the catalyst filter with the 20%CuZT/pCF adsorbent in two-stage removal process. The integrated process displayed superior reforming efficiencies for methane and benzene degradation in the H₂S atmosphere, which were 10 times higher for methane and 1.15 times higher for benzene than that of the single stage system. Meanwhile, the desulfurization rate of 71% was achieved at the end of 5 h. Herein, the innovative concept was found to be promising consecutive removal process for desulfurization and substantially hydrocarbon cracking.