Geopolymer Based Catalysts and Oxygen Carriers for Application in Thermochemical Processes

The paper will report on recent progresses on utilization geopolymer based active materials in i) catalytic cleaning/upgrading of syngas; ii) oxy-fuel chemical-looping combustion, and iii) fluidized bed behavior. Catalytic cleaning of syngas is relevant for removing undesired heavy hydrocarbons (tar) before its utilization as fuel or reactant [3]. Oxy-fuel combustion via chemical-looping is a very efficient and clean technology, allowing generation of flue gas with high CO2 concentration [4]. Fluidized bed technology is widely used for accomplishing processes requiring circulation of granular materials, e.g. catalyst, as well as high coefficients of heat and mass transfer. The results of materials characterization and experimental tests carried out at laboratory scale will be presented and discussed, also in comparison with standard catalysts of the process industry, in the perspective of a green approach.