Application of response surface methodology in catalytic co-gasification of palm wastes for bioenergy conversion using mineral catalysts

Biomass gasification is a promising approach for bioenergy conversion. Usually, biomass gasification is facing interruption in feedstock supply due to seasonal availability of biomass. In biomass gasification, formation of tar also affects the gasification efficiency. Therefore, in this study, catalytic air co-gasification of two palm wastes (coconut shells; CS, oil palm fronds; OPF) was investigated for syngas (H₂+CO) and methane production in downdraft gasifier using three mineral catalysts such as Portland cement, dolomite, and limestone to address the issues. The three main process variables were investigated within the specific range, the temperature of 700–900 °C, catalyst loading of 0–30 wt%, and the biomass blending ratio of 20–80 wt%. Response Surface Methodology, Box-Behnken Design was used for process optimization. The results showed that temperature was the most influencing parameter for syngas production, followed by catalyst loading and blending ratio. The maximum methane produced from Portland cement catalyst followed by limestone and dolomite. The syngas and methane yield was obtained 38.81 vol% and 19.96 vol% respectively at optimized conditions of catalyst loading of 20 wt%, temperature of 900 °C, and blending ratio of CS20:OPF80 using Portland cement as a catalyst. The higher syngas and methane yields from catalytic co-gasification as compared to non-catalyst co-gasification was due to the catalytic effect of Ca, Fe, Mg, K, P, and Al oxides present in catalysts and biomass materials.