Hydrogen generation from biomass by pyrolysis

The growing environmental concerns associated with global warming along with the exponential rise in energy demand are boosting the production of clean energy. The combined process of biomass pyrolysis and in-line catalytic steam reforming is a promising alternative for the selective production of hydrogen from renewable sources. This Primer provides a general overview of the fundamental aspects that influence the hydrogen production potential of the process. Recent research studies and their main findings are highlighted. The current challenges and limitations of the process and ways to optimize the biomass-derived products of steam reforming are discussed. Finally, we evaluate progress toward the industrial scalability of the process. The combined process of biomass pyrolysis and in-line catalytic steam reforming is a promising alternative for the selective production of hydrogen from renewable sources. In this Primer, Lopez et al. outline the main factors influencing hydrogen production, from reactor configurations and operating conditions to product analysis and catalyst development.