A state-of-the art review of thermochemical conversion technologies for hydrogen production from bio and solid wastes

Thermochemical conversion of organic biomass and waste is considered as one of the most promising routes of Hydrogen (H2) production. This study represents the state of the art review of various thermochemical conversion technologies of biomass and other solid wastes to H2, covering contemporary approaches as well as the recently proposed new and innovative methods. Five broad thermochemical conversion technologies viz., pyrolysis, gasification, steam refroming, sorption based steam reforming and integrated technologies are considered for the review. Additionally, the study also discusses on the recent progresses of techno-economic and life cycle analysis (LCA) on the thermochemical conversion technologies. The study identifies that thermochemical conversion of biomass and solid waste can produce H2 in the range of approximately 40–140 gm, per kg of biomass/waste feed, depending on the involved thermochemical conversion technologies. Reviewed literature also suggests that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) from gasification of different biomass typically ranges between 2.7–3.5 USD/kg. However, gasification of residual waste suggests an LCOH of 2–3.8 USD/kg, depending on the technologies used. The study also identifies the opportunities that may promote large scale economic production of clean hydrogen from biomass and solid wastes.