Low-carbon, hydrogen-rich syngas from sorption-enhanced gasification: A review

Godknows Dziva; Jonas Weitzel; Pengjun Cui; Maxine Yew; Guangchao Ding; Liang Zeng; Songgeng Li

Carbon Capture Science & Technology (Mar 2025)

Low-carbon, hydrogen-rich syngas from sorption-enhanced gasification: A review

Godknows Dziva,
Jonas Weitzel,
Pengjun Cui,
Maxine Yew,
Guangchao Ding,
Liang Zeng,
Songgeng Li

Affiliations

Godknows Dziva: State Key Laboratory of Mesoscience and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Jonas Weitzel: Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Pengjun Cui: Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
Maxine Yew: Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
Guangchao Ding: State Key Laboratory of Mesoscience and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Liang Zeng: Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of the Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Corresponding author.
Songgeng Li: State Key Laboratory of Mesoscience and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Corresponding author at: State Key Laboratory of Mesoscience and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 14
p. 100372

Abstract

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This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of sorption-enhanced gasification (SEG) with CaO, highlighting its potential as an efficient and sustainable energy conversion technology. SEG integrates dual bed steam gasification with in situ CO2 removal using CaO, efficiently converting solid carbonaceous fuels such as biomass and low-rank coal into hydrogen-rich (up to 80 vol% H2), low-carbon and tar, medium calorific value and nitrogen-free syngas that can be adapted for various downstream applications. The review details the working principle, operating conditions and reaction mechanisms of SEG, emphasizing how these factors influence product distribution. Calcium sorbents are central to the SEG process, so their reactions, catalytic activity and limitations are discussed in this review. Pilot-scale tests are examined to underscore process engineering advancements as well as to highlight scale-up challenges that currently limit the technology to TRL 5–6. Unsustainable long-term sorbent performance and energy penalties from sorbent regeneration and CO2 capture still need to be addressed through scalable and cost-effective material development and process engineering. This review discusses various process intensification concepts as potential solutions to the inherent shortcomings of SEG. Process systems analyses examined indicate the potential of SEG in hydrogen, synthetic fuel and electricity production, positioning it as a promising technology for decentralized sustainable energy conversion. Furthermore, the review explores the sustainable repurposing and disposal of spent solids to foster circular economies. Overall, this comprehensive review provides crucial insights to further leverage and advance the SEG process, offering a platform for future research and development.

Published in Carbon Capture Science & Technology

ISSN: 2772-6568 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Technology: Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/carbon-capture-science-and-technology

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