Method for the catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic materials

摘要

A method is disclosed for converting lignocellulosic materials contained in biomass and other feedstocks into a fuel gas. The method comprises maintaining, in a pressure vessel, at a temperature of 300 DEG C. to 450 DEG C. and a pressure of at least 100 atmospheres, lignocellulosic material and water, and amounts of alkali and reduced nickel catalysts sufficient to catalyze a reaction of the lignocellulosic material to produce a product gas composed primarily of methane, hydrogen and carbon dioxide.