Biomass Gasification Coupled with Syngas Fermentation for Simultaneous Energy and Chemical Production

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable energy and low-carbon chemical production has accelerated interest in integrated biomass conversion technologies capable of maximizing resource utilization and reducing environmental impact. This study investigates biomass gasification coupled with syngas fermentation for simultaneous energy and chemical production under varying operational conditions. The proposed integrated framework combines thermochemical biomass gasification with biological syngas fermentation to convert renewable biomass feedstocks into valuable fuels and biochemical products through efficient carbon utilization pathways. A comprehensive experimental and simulation-based investigation was conducted to evaluate the influence of gasification temperature, biomass composition, gas residence time, syngas composition, microbial activity, fermentation conditions, and reactor configuration on overall system performance and product yield. The gasification process generates synthesis gas rich in carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, while the fermentation subsystem utilizes specialized microorganisms to convert syngas components into biofuels and industrial chemicals. Performance evaluation demonstrated significant improvements in energy recovery efficiency, carbon conversion, and product selectivity compared to standalone biomass conversion processes. The integrated system also exhibited reduced greenhouse gas emissions and enhanced resource efficiency through optimized heat integration and waste minimization strategies. Comparative analysis revealed improved operational sustainability and economic feasibility through simultaneous production of renewable energy and value-added biochemical products. Furthermore, advanced process integration and predictive modeling contributed to enhanced syngas utilization efficiency and stable fermentation performance under dynamic operational conditions.