Plasma technology for syngas cleaning

Biomass is considered as one of the most essential renewable energy sources for both mitigating global climate change and matching the rapidly increasing energy demands of the world's population. Biomass gasification produces syngas (H2 and CO) with a very high calorific value. This syngas can be used for production of high-value chemicals, fuels, heat, and electricity allowing biomass to replace a range of fossil fuel technologies with a sustainable and green process. However, the syngas produced from biomass gasification contains a range of problematic contaminants, particularly, tars. The high percentage of tars can cause blockages and deterioration preventing biomass technology from being commercialized, and their effective removal is one of the key challenges facing the bioenergy industry. The use of nonthermal plasma for the destruction and removal of tars is a promising and emerging technology for allowing the delivery of clean and high-quality syngas. In this book chapter, we have reviewed the recent progress and advances in the use of nonthermal plasma for syngas cleaning. The combination of nonthermal plasma and catalysis for syngas cleaning and tar reforming has also been summarized. Our perspectives on future of this emerging area have also been discussed.