Low-temperature catalytic conversion of lignite: 1. Steam gasification using potassium carbonate supported on perovskite oxide

The catalytic conversion of alkali metal carbonate (K₂CO₃) catalyst supported on perovskite oxide was carefully examined as an effective catalyst for low-temperature catalytic gasification of lignite. It showed much higher activity than K₂CO₃ alone as well as K₂CO₃ supported on γ-alumina under gasification conditions below 800°C. Furthermore, catalyzed syngas had higher H₂ and lower CO₂ ratios than non-catalyzed syngas. Promisingly, there was also much less tar formation, less than 50wt.% compared to non-catalyzed gasification. Also, less loss of K₂CO₃ and no coke formation on the catalyst surface were confirmed, comparing to the catalytic gasification with K₂CO₃ supported on γ-alumina.