Abstract: A method of operating a continuous or semi-continuous system for a catalyst regeneration process. The system comprises a regenerator, the regenerator comprising a combustion zone and a halogenation zone. The catalyst is fed into the regenerator. A circulating regeneration gas is introduced into a regenerator circuit including oxygen, the circulating regeneration gas having a nitrogen concentration that is less than air. Oxygen from the circulating regeneration gas reacts with the coke to provide water and carbon dioxide. Water and the carbon dioxide formed in this first reaction then further react with the coke to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of processing lignocellulosic material to obtain hemicellulose sugars, cellulose sugars, lignin, cellulose and other high-value products. Also provided are hemicellulose sugars, cellulose sugars, lignin, cellulose, and other high-value products.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for a complete sequestration of carbon (CO2) from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to energy plants which produce Refuse Derived Fuel and the associated exhaust gases. The described process results in production of energy from the waste and disposal of the MSW with zero carbon emission.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating hydrogen including a housing, a reservoir, and a piston is provided. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall. The top wall has vents and a protrudent column extending to the interior of the housing. At least one vent communicates with the top wall and the protrudent column and rest of the vents surround the protrudent column. The reservoir is disposed in the housing for storing a solid state reactant and divides the housing into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is located between the top wall and the reservoir. The second chamber is located between the bottom wall and the reservoir for storing a liquid reactant. The piston is disposed on the bottom wall. The piston is used to push the liquid reactant towards the reservoir to react with the solid state reactant to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cyclic process for producing synthesis gas comprising: a first step of oxidation of an oxidizable oxygen-carrying solid; a second purge step; a third combustion step with production of CO2; a fourth step of production of synthesis gas; a fifth purge step.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen from an electrolyte solution, in particular an aqueous solution, is described. The apparatus includes a hydrogen-developing body having an electrolyte-contacting surface. The electrolyte-contacting surface of the hydrogen-developing body includes regions formed from magnesium, Mg, zinc, Zn, aluminium, Al, or alloys thereof alternating with regions formed from ferrum, Fe, or a ferrous alloy, Fe alloy. The apparatus may further include means for accumulating hydrogen which has developed on the surface of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogen generator that produces hydrogen by thermal decomposition. An electric circuit including a plurality of parallel branches, each including at least one electric heating element, is arranged in a sequence. The circuit also includes a normally open switch between adjacent branches and a normally closed switch in each branch but the last to provide current to the heating elements in the sequence of the parallel branches. Each heating element provides heat to thermally decompose a portion of a reactant, open the normally closed switch in the same branch, and close the normally open switch following that branch, energizing and deenergizing the heating elements in sequence. Each of the normally open switches includes a switch material with a resistivity that permanently decreases to close the switch in response to heating, and each of the normally closed switches opens in response to heating.

Abstract: Disclosed herein provide compositions and hydrogen release methods for a high-capacity complex hydrogen storage material. The hydrogen storage material is mainly composed of metal borohydride and NH3. The invention advantageously adopt ammonia, one cheap and easily supplied material with high hydrogen content (17.6 wt %), as one of the hydrogen source, offering a safe and efficient way to store hydrogen and release hydrogen. Furthermore, the hydrogen storage material can be further catalyzed by a transition metal catalyst to improve the dehydrogenation kinetics. With the addition of catalyst, 0.2-10 equiv. H2 could be evolved at ?100˜600° C., which might be applied on vehicles which are fueled by hybrid or fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of making a syngas mixture containing hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, comprising a step of contacting a gaseous feed mixture containing carbon dioxide and hydrogen with a catalyst, which catalyst substantially consists of Mn oxide and an oxide of at least one member selected from the group consisting of Cr, Ni, La, Ce, W, and Pt. This process enables hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide with high selectivity, and good catalyst stability over time and under variations in processing conditions. The process can be applied separately, but can also be integrated with other processes, both up-stream and/or down-stream; like methane reforming or other synthesis processes for making products like alkanes, aldehydes, or alcohols.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for separately preheating gaseous ammonia and an oxygen-containing gas mixture, combusting them to form a hydrogen-containing gas mixture, and cooling the hydrogen-containing gas mixture in conjunction with the preheating of the next ammonia and the preheating of the next oxygen-containing gas mixture. Combustion may occur at combinations of pressure and temperature that permit rapid and non-catalyzed decomposition of the ammonia.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrogen from water is provided. The hydrogen production process includes splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, wherein the process includes decomposing sulfuric acid into water, sulfur dioxide and oxygen through a reaction of formula (X1) by using solar thermal energy, wherein at least a part of the elementary reaction of formula (X1-1) is performed using thermal solar energy, and at least a part of the elementary reaction of formula (X1-2) is performed using additional thermal energy other than solar thermal energy, and wherein the heating temperature by the additional thermal energy is higher by 10° C. or more than the heating temperature by the solar thermal energy, and at least a part of the additional thermal energy is generated in a reaction vessel: (X1) H2SO4?H2O+SO2+1/2O2, (X1-1) H2SO4?H2O+SO3, and (X1-2) SO3?SO2+1/2O2.

Abstract: Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components, and methods of manufacturing those assemblies, devices, and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a vaporization region with packing material configured to transfer heat from a heated exhaust stream to a liquid-containing feed stream, and/or an insulation base adjacent a combustion region and configured to reduce external temperature of an enclosure. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a cooling block configured to maintain an igniter assembly in thermal communication with a feed stream conduit, an igniter assembly including a catalytic coating, and/or a fuel stream distribution assembly. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a heat conducting assembly configured to conduct heat from external heaters to an enclosure portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses composite inorganic membranes, methods for making the same, and methods of separating gases, vapors, and liquids using the same. The composite zeolite membrane is prepared by TS-1 zeolite membrane synthesis, and subsequent palladium doping. In the composite zeolite membrane synthesis, two different methods can be employed, including in-situ crystallization of one or more layers of zeolite crystals an a porous membrane substrate, and a second growth method by in-situ crystallization of a continuous second layer of zeolite crystals on a seed layer of MFI zeolite crystals supported on a porous membrane substrate. The membranes in the form of disks, tubes, or hollow fibers have high gas selectivity over other small gases, very good impurity resistance, and excellent thermal and chemical stability over polymer membranes and other inorganic membranes for gas, vapor, and liquid, separations.

Abstract: In aspects of the disclosure, a fuel cartridge wherein the fuel is in a powdered form is admixed with inert materials such as alumina or other ceramics to improve thermal conductivity. Said cartridge having fuel zones, heating zones, and controllers to selectively heat fuel zones and thereby generate hydrogen via decomposition of fuel is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing coke oven gas, said coke oven gas containing hydrogen, wherein the coke oven gas is at least partially integrated into a method for producing dimethyl ether in conjunction with a gas containing carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide, whereby a DME-containing product gas is formed. At the outset of the method for the formation of dimethyl ether, a ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide, weighted with the carbon dioxide concentration (formula (I)), of 0.9 to 1.1 is set, wherein the DME-containing product gas is integrated into a method for converting dimethyl ether to olefins, whereby an olefin-containing product gas is formed, and wherein olefins, in particular ethylene and/or propylene, is/are separated from the olefin-containing product gas by means of separating methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of a hydrogen generator (10) that measures, transports or stores a single dose of a viscous fuel component from first fuel chamber (12) in storage area (38) when the internal hydrogen pressure (44, 44?) of the hydrogen generator is high, and transports this single dose to a metal hydride fuel component in second fuel chamber (14) when the internal pressure is low, so that the viscous liquid and metal hydride fuel components react together to generate more hydrogen and to restart the cycle. The viscous fuel component can be water or alcohol, such as methanol, in liquid or gel form, and the metal hydride fuel component can be sodium borohydride or other metal hydride that chemically reacts with the viscous fuel to produce hydrogen. The metal hydride fuel component can be in solid or viscous form, e.g., aqueous form.

Abstract: A compact, chemical-mechanical apparatus, having no electrical components, for storing and generating hydrogen safely, on-demand, at the time and point of use in small or large quantities using the environmentally clean chemical reaction between sodium metal and water to generate hydrogen (H2) gas and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) byproduct is presented, for powering electricity generating fuel cells for large scale commercial and private electric motor vehicle transport. The apparatus of the present invention supports hydrogen gas generation by the controlled addition of liquid water to solid sodium metal to produce hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide using only mechanical components without electrical components that require external power and can generate sparks or short circuits, producing catastrophic failure in hydrogen systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of hydrogen in a reactor system comprising a steam reforming reaction zone comprising a reforming catalyst and a membrane separation zone comprising a hydrogen-selective membrane. The process involves a reaction system of so-called open architecture, wherein the reforming zone and the membrane separation zone operate independently of each other. The invention provides the heat for the reforming reaction through heat exchange from liquid molten salts, preferably heated by solar energy.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a membrane of proton-electron conducting ceramics that is useful for the conversion of a hydrocarbon and steam to hydrogen has a porous support coated with a film of a Perovskite-type oxide. By including the Zr and M in the oxide in place of Ce, the stability can be improved while maintaining sufficient hydrogen flux for efficient generation of hydrogen. In this manner, the conversion can be carried out by performing steam methane reforming (SMR) and/or water-gas shift reactions (WGS) at high temperature, where the conversion of CO to CO2 and H2 is driven by the removal of H2 to give high conversions.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating hydrogen for fuel cells is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a button, a first separating plate, a solid state reactant, and a separating membrane. The housing has an opening and a reservoir. The button connected to the housing covers the opening. The first separating plate disposed in the housing divides the reservoir into first and second sub-rooms. The opening communicates with the first sub-room and the first sub-room is suitable for storing a liquid reactant. The first separating plate has a through hole opposite to the button. The solid state reactant is disposed in the second sub-room. The separating membrane disposed on the through hole separates the first sub-room from the second sub-room. When the button is pushed, the button damages the separating membrane. Therefore, the liquid reactant flows to the second sub-room and reacts with the solid state reactant to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: Disclosed are a photocatalyst of CoP2 loaded red phosphorus, a preparation method thereof, and a method for photocatalytic hydrogen production from water under visible light irradiation over the photocatalyst of CoP2 loaded red phosphorus.

Abstract: Hydrogen and carbon monoxide impurities are removed from a dry gas comprising the impurities, wherein the dry gas is at least substantially free of carbon dioxide, by passing the dry gas with sufficient residence time, e.g. at least 1.5 s, through a layer of catalyst comprising a mixture of manganese oxide and copper oxide. The use of expensive noble metal catalysts to remove hydrogen may thereby be avoided. In addition, regeneration of the catalyst using oxygen-containing regeneration gas does not reduce the effectiveness of the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a so-called zero emission ‘AST-CNR/ITM system’ modular plant for removal of pollutants from flue gases produced by industrial processes. The plant comprises prefabricated modular elements with programmed and automatic operation, easy to mount and assemble on site without undergoing expensive plant stoppage. Each module or ‘reaction tower’ comprises a plurality of sections vertically arranged on top of one another, which carry out the following functions: Removal of particulate matter with treatment and removal of chemical pollutants, such as heavy metals, chlorides, fluorides Treatment and removal of SOx Treatment and removal of NOx Capture of CO2 Production of hydrogen Production of methanol. The various sections may be combined according to the requirements of the plant and of the flue gases to be treated.

Abstract: A sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst, in particular, a sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst capable of lowering the temperature required when producing hydrogen by an S—I cycle process is disclosed. A sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst that includes a composite oxide of tungsten, vanadium and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of transition metal and rare earth elements is provided. Also, a sulfur dioxide production process that includes decomposing sulfur trioxide into sulfur dioxide and oxygen by using the sulfur trioxide decomposition catalyst above is provided. Furthermore, a hydrogen production process, wherein the reaction of decomposing sulfur trioxide into sulfur dioxide and oxygen by an S—I cycle process is performed by the above-described sulfur dioxide production process is provided.

Abstract: A continuous fixed-bed catalytic reactor includes an inflow path for raw material gas for a catalytic reaction and an outflow path for reformed gas, a catalytic reaction container that is connected to the inflow path and the outflow path and holds a clumpy catalyst, catalyst holders that have a ventilation property and hold the clumpy catalyst, and a driving mechanism that moves the clumpy catalyst up and down by moving the catalyst holders up and down.

Abstract: A system for generating and purifying hydrogen. To generate hydrogen, the system includes inlets configured to receive a hydrogen carrier and an inert insulator, a mixing chamber configured to combine the hydrogen carrier and the inert insulator, a heat exchanger configured to apply heat to the mixture of hydrogen carrier and the inert insulator, wherein the applied heat results in the generation of hydrogen from the hydrogen carrier, and an outlet configured to release the generated hydrogen. To purify hydrogen, the system includes a primary inlet to receive a starting material and an ammonia filtration subassembly, which may include an absorption column configured to absorb the ammonia into water for providing purified hydrogen at a first purity level. The ammonia filtration subassembly may also include an adsorbent member configured to adsorb ammonia from the starting material into an adsorbent for providing purified hydrogen at a second purity level.

Abstract: Provided are: a device and method for generating hydrogen from a hydrogen reservoir, whereby it is possible to produce two weight equivalents of the weight equivalent of the hydrogen which can be emitted from ammonia borane-based compounds, in other words a hydrogen storage capacity of 13.0%, in a short time at low temperature; a catalyst used with the same; and a device for using emitted hydrogen.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrogen comprising the steps of: i) contacting a compound (C) comprising one or more groups Si—H with an amine based catalyst in a solvent selected from an alcohol or an aqueous solution, thereby forming hydrogen and a by-product (C1); wherein said amine based catalyst is as defined in claim 1; ii) recovering the obtained hydrogen.

Abstract: A device comprising a magnetic element, which comprises a magnetic material, wherein the magnetic element is adapted to absorb hydrogen to form hydride. The magnetic aspect of the system enhances the hydrogen storage. Also disclosed is a metal hydride element comprising a magnetic material and absorbed hydrogen. The magnetic element and the metal hydride element can be an electrode. Further disclosed are methods for making and using the electrode.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel manganese hydrides, processes for their preparation, and their use in hydrogen storage applications. The disclosure also relates to processes for preparing manganese dialkyl compounds having high purity, and their use in the preparation of manganese hydrides having enhance hydrogen storage capacity.

Abstract: A process for the production of highly thermally-integrated hydrogen by reforming a hydrocarbon feedstock wherein a stream of air or water, whose temperature is less by at least 200° C. than the combustion temperature inside a burner, is mixed with the effluent that is obtained from said burner, so as to reduce the temperature of this effluent to less than 725° C.; the mixture obtained is used to superheat at least one stream of water vapor and/or hydrocarbon feedstock in gaseous form, whereby said stream that is thus superheated by indirect heat exchange is injected directly into a reforming reactor where it is used as a fuel; and the second heat exchanger and is used to totally evaporate a stream of liquid water and/or hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: An on-board hydride storage system and process are described. The system includes a slurry storage system that includes a slurry reactor and a variable concentration slurry. In one preferred configuration, the storage system stores a slurry containing a hydride storage material in a carrier fluid at a first concentration of hydride solids. The slurry reactor receives the slurry containing a second concentration of the hydride storage material and releases hydrogen as a fuel to hydrogen-power devices and vehicles.

Abstract: A method for generating and purifying syngas and to an apparatus for generating and purifying syngas is presented.

Abstract: A process for producing the porous catalyst body for decomposing hydrocarbons, the body containing at least magnesium, aluminum and nickel, and has a pore volume of 0.01 to 0.5 cm3/g, an average pore diameter of not more than 3006 ? and an average crushing strength of not less than 3 kgf. The process includes molding hydrotalcite containing at least magnesium, aluminum and nickel, and calcining the resulting molded product at a temperature of 700 to 1500° C.

Abstract: Complex hydrides based on Al(BH4)3 are stabilized by the presence of one or more additional metal elements or organic adducts to provide high capacity hydrogen storage material.

Abstract: A method of forming a material for reversible hydrogen storage within a storage tank includes charging a mixture of a metal amide and a metal hydride to the storage tank, and chemically reacting the mixture at a reaction condition within the storage tank to form a thermally conducting composite material situated in the storage tank and for reversibly storing hydrogen. The composite material includes a three-dimensional and interconnected framework including a conductive metal. A method for reversibly storing hydrogen includes providing a storage tank and in situ chemically forming a composite material by charging a mixture of a metal amide and a metal hydride to the storage tank and chemically reacting the mixture at a reaction condition to form a thermally conducting composite material including a metal hydride and a substantially unreactive elemental metal framework. Hydrogen is absorbed into the composite material and is desorbed from the composite material.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for catalytic primary reformation of hydrocarbons with steam at elevated pressure by means of a split tube reactor and a firing chamber. In the split tube system which can use a catalyst material, hydrocarbons to be reformed are converted by water steam to synthesis gas. The split tube system is heated by a plurality of firing facilities between the split tubes which include a plurality of burners arranged in series, the burners generating mainly downwardly directed flames. The relevant firing facilities are supplied with fuel and air, with the air being withdrawn from the relevant feeders. The flue gas thus evolving passes through the firing chamber from top to bottom and enters in the lower area of the firing chamber into horizontally arranged ceramic flue gas tunnels extending in parallel to each other and perpendicular to the vertical split tubes and being allocated to one firing facility each. The flue gas enters through apertures in the lateral walls of the flue gas tunnels.

Abstract: The present application discloses complexes useful as catalysts for organic chemical synthesis including hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of unsaturated compounds or dehydrogenation of substrates. The range of hydrogenation substrate compounds includes esters, lactones, oils and fats, resulting in alcohols, diols, and triols as reaction products. The catalysts of current application can be used to catalyze a hydrogenation reaction under solvent free conditions. The present catalysts also allow the hydrogenation to proceed without added base, and it can be used in place of the conventional reduction methods employing hydrides of the main-group elements. Furthermore, the catalysts of the present application can catalyze a dehydrogenation reaction under homogenous and/or acceptorless conditions. As such, the catalysts provided herein can be useful in substantially reducing cost and improving the environmental profile of manufacturing processes for variety of chemicals.

Abstract: The invention provides novel Zr MOFs, in particular compounds having a surface area of at least 1020 m2/g or if functionalized, having a surface area of at least 500 m2/g.

Abstract: In a process for purifying a hydrogen stream, the stream is contacted with a first washing fluid in a first purification zone under conditions effective to transfer at least some water from the hydrogen stream to the first washing fluid, thereby transforming the hydrogen stream into a water-depleted hydrogen stream. At least a portion of the water-depleted hydrogen stream may then be transferred from the first purification zone to a second purification zone, where it is contacted with a second washing fluid under conditions effective to transfer at least some oxygenates from the water-depleted hydrogen stream to the second washing fluid.

Abstract: Portable hydrogen generators are disclosed. In the various embodiments, the generator may include a chamber configured to endothermically decompose a material positioned within the chamber to generate hydrogen gas. A heater may be in thermal communication with the material to stimulate a release of the hydrogen gas. An electrical power source may be controllably coupled to the heater, so that electrical power delivered to the heater may be controlled in response to at least one detected property of the hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing H2 by steam reforming of methanol, which process comprises contacting a gas phase comprising (a) CH3OH and (b) H20 with a solid catalyst, which solid catalyst comprises a mixed metal oxide, which mixed metal oxide comprises copper, zinc and gallium, wherein the atomic percentage of copper relative to the total number of metal atoms in the oxide is from 20 at. % to 55 at. %. The solid catalyst itself is also an aspect of the present invention, as is a process for producing the catalyst, which process comprises: (1) a co-precipitation step, comprising contacting: (a) a solution of copper nitrate, zinc nitrate and gallium nitrate, wherein the atomic percentage of copper relative to the total number of metal atoms in said solution is from 20 at. % to 55 at.

Abstract: A process for extracting hydrocarbons from a molecular combination is provided. The process includes heating a molecular combination to dissociate it into a particle stream of carbon cations, hydrogen cations, and oxygen anions; guiding the stream through a non-conductive conduit; moving the dissociated particle stream through a magnetic field to separate the cations from the anions; and isolating the separated cations from the anions. In one embodiment, methane is formed from carbonic acid.

Abstract: When terminating power generation by a fuel cell 3 in a fuel cell system 1, an amount of a raw fuel material introduced to a reforming catalyst 2a of a reformer 2 is reduced. Here, before the temperature of the reforming catalyst 2a is lowered to the un-reformed gas generation temperature, an amount of water supplied to the reforming catalyst 2a is controlled to increase the temperature of the reforming catalyst 2a. Thus, upon termination of power generation in the fuel cell 3, no un-reformed gas is generated and the reformed gas is supplied to the fuel cell 3.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for generating electrical power from a compound comprising carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Water is combined with the compound to produce a wet form of the compound. The wet form of the compound is transferred into a reaction processing chamber. The wet form of the compound is heated within the reaction chamber such that elements of the compound dissociate and react, with one reaction product comprising hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is processed to generate electrical power.

Abstract: Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for transport of energy and/or materials. In one aspect a method includes generating gaseous fuel (e.g., from biomass dissociation) at a first location of a low elevation. The gaseous fuel can be self transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A liquid fuel can be generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the gaseous fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor, and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The liquid fuel can be delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for storing energy in gaseous form in submerged thin-walled tanks are secured to the ocean or lake floor but are open to the water at the tank bottoms and are configured to be filled with gas while submerged. A conduit operatively connected to the tanks provides flow from a surface source of an energy-containing gas to the tank interiors. Surface or subsurface pumping apparatus which may include piston-less pressure cylinders or have leveraged pistons provide a preselected flow rate of the energy-containing gas into the containment structure interior against a back pressure essentially equal to the static pressure of the body of water at the location of the tank to displace an equivalent volume of water through the open bottom. The conduit can be configured to allow heat transfer to vaporize liquefied gas prior to storage. Hydrogen gas can be generated and stored within the tank using Aluminum activated with Galinstan.

Abstract: A hydrogen generating device is adapted for a fuel cell. The hydrogen generating device includes a casing, a button, a solid reactant, a bag-shaped body, and at least one flexible element. The casing has a containing space and an opening. The button is integrally formed and connected to the casing to seal the opening. The solid reactant is disposed in the casing. The bag-shaped body is disposed in the casing and contains a liquid reactant. The flexible element is connected to the casing and is located in the containing space. The flexible element includes a bending end, wherein the flexible element is aligned to the button and is located between the button and the bag-shaped body. When the button is pressed, the button pushes the flexible element so the bending end pierces the bag-shaped body, and the liquid reactant flows out and reacts with the solid reactant to generate hydrogen.

Abstract: A membrane for use in a high temperature gas processing system and method for making the same. The membrane includes a dense, gas impermeable layer and a first and second porous layer, wherein each of the first and second porous layers is a ceramic oxide material having a non-symmetrical load bearing skeleton of a plurality of pores having a graded porosity. Each porous layer provides a reduction of an oxygen partial pressure gradient across the dense layer and reduces resultant stresses in the dense layer that are small compared to its strength thereby improving long term mechanical durability of the dense layer.

Abstract: Processes for producing synthesis gas from biomass in which char particles, which are formed during the production of synthesis gas from biomass, are employed as catalysts. The char particles may be used as catalysts in a gasifier or in a thermal reformer, whereby gaseous components, formed as a result of the gasification of the biomass, such as methane, light alkyl and aromatic compounds, and phenolics, as well as tar, may be reformed and/or converted into synthesis gas.