Ruthenium(IV) dioxide-catalyzed reductive gasification of intractable biomass including cellulose, heterocyclic compounds, and sludge in supercritical water

Catalytic reduction gasification in the presence of ruthenium(IV) dioxide (RuO2) in supercritical water was used to decompose intractable biomass. The gasification of model biomass samples (glucose, cellulose, and heterocyclic compounds), and low-purity biomass samples obtained from a paper-recycling facility (paper sludge) and from a sewage treatment plant (sewage sludge) were studied. In clear contrast to another catalysts, the RuO2 catalyst completely gasified cellulose to produce mainly hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide under various conditions (e.g., 673 K at ∼30 MPa and 773 K at ∼50 MPa). As for heterocyclic compounds, nitrogen compounds did not deactivate the RuO2 catalyst; the gasification of carbazole proceeded completely. Furthermore, paper sludge was almost completely decomposed in supercritical water with RuO2 at 723 K.