Agro-industrial lignocellulosic biomass conversion assisted with NiWO4 as oxygen carrier
摘要
This study investigates nickel tungstate (NiWO₄) as a regenerable oxygen carrier for enhancing thermochemical conversion of regionally significant agro-industrial residues: Onion peel (B1) and pine bark (B2) from Chihuahua, Mexico. Biomass characterization revealed B2 higher cellulose (43.80 ± 0.9%) and hemicellulose (22.40 ± 0.6%) content versus B1 lignin dominance (35.26 ± 1.8%). NiWO4, synthesized via co-precipitation, exhibited a monoclinic wolframite structure (54 nm crystallites). Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated superior conversion efficiency in NiWO₄/biomass mixtures (optimal ratios: 7:3 for B1, 6:4 for B2) over inert ZrO2 controls, quantified by weight-loss differentials (X = 8.5% for B1; 7.1% for B2). Beyond 800 °C, lattice oxygen release from NiWO4 promoted biochar gasification via solid–solid interactions, yielding syngas (H2/CO/CO2). Redox cycling confirmed NiWO4 regeneration from reduced phases (Ni/W/WO₂/WC) under steam, validating its sustainability for efficient biomass conversion. The presence of NiWO₄ promoted effective biomass decomposition and biochar gasification acting as an oxygen carrier.
Graphical abstract