Response surface modelling of biomass-rich municipal solid waste pyrolysis: towards optimum hydrogen production

In this study, two-step pyrolysis of biomass-rich municipal solid waste was studied on nickel supported ZSM-5 catalyst. In the first stage of the reactor, constant temperature ( T = 550 °C) was applied, and in the second stage, the reactions took place at 500, 700 and 850 °C. Effects of operating parameters (temperature = 500, 700, 850 °C, steam rate = 1, 5 g/h) and catalyst load (0.5, 1.0, 2.0) were studied on yields and compositions, particularly on the hydrogen contents. In order to determine the significance of the operating parameters, response surface methodology was used. Considering the experimental data, the values of hydrogen/carbon monoxide molar ratio, lower heating value and the simulation, it was found that the favourable operating parameters of two-step pyrolysis of biomass-rich municipal solid waste were 850 °C temperature and 1 g/h steam rate (gas yield: 27.1%, hydrogen yield: 9.96 mmol g −1 waste, hydrogen/carbon monoxide molar ratio: 1.8). From the data of response surface methodology, it was also concluded that temperature has a more critical effect on gas yields and composition than steam rate. However, in some cases, the synergistic effect of the two factors can also be significant. Graphical abstract