Synthesis and characterization of aluminum / iron – pillared bentonite catalysts for empty fruit bunches biomass gasification
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1
Environmental Science Doctoral Study Program, Graduate School, Universitas Sriwijaya, Jl. Padang Selasa, No. 524, Bukit Besar, Palembang 30139, Sumatera Selatan, Indonesia
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Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Tamansiswa, Jl. Tamansiswa No. 261 20 Ilir D. I, Ilir Tim. I, Kota Palembang, Sumatera Selatan, Indonesia
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Chemistry Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Sriwijaya, Jl.Raya Palembang-Prabumulih Km 32 Indralaya, Ogan Ilir, Sumatera Selatan 30662, Indonesia
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Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sriwijaya, Jl. Raya Palembang Prabumulih Km 32 Indralaya, Ogan Ilir, Sumatera Selatan 30662, Indonesia
Corresponding author
Ria Komala
Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Tamansiswa, Jl. Tamansiswa No. 261 20 Ilir D. I, Ilir Tim. I, Kota Palembang, Sumatera Selatan, Indonesia
J. Ecol. Eng. 2025; 26(3):119-134
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ABSTRACT
Biomass gasification, such as the gasification of empty fruit bunches (EFB), is a promising method for renewable energy production. However, its efficiency remains limited due to high tar formation, incomplete carbon conversion, and the lack of effective catalysts. This study aims to synthesize a catalyst from bentonite pillared with aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) to address these challenges and enhance gasification efficiency. The catalyst was characterized using FTIR, SEM, EDS, and XRD, and gasification was performed at 550°C with catalyst concentrations of 1.25% and 2.5%. FTIR confirmed the formation of Al-O and Fe-O bonds, while SEM revealed a smooth, porous surface with evenly distributed metals. The material exhibited a porosity of 54.36% and a pore volume of 7.448×10⁻² m³. EDS recorded Al and Fe contents of 12.9% and 8.0%, respectively, and XRD confirmed the successful incorporation of metal pillars.XRD analysis showed significant structural changes, with metal-pillared bentonite achieving the highest crystallinity of 68.96% and an average crystal size of 22.152 nm, reflecting improved stability and catalytic performance. These modifications enhanced porosity and thermal stability, crucial for high-temperature applications. Gasification with the 2.5% catalyst increased H₂ content to 36.1%, CO to 19.7%, and reduced CO₂ to 1.2%. Carbon conversion efficiency reached 82.5%, and cold gas energy efficiency improved to 41.2%. In conclusion, Al/Fe-pillared bentonite enhanced gasification performance and produced high-quality syngas suitable for renewable energy applications