Supercritical water gasification of food waste for hydrogen production

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 208; p. 115091
• Main Authors: Costa, João C.B., Dias, Isabela M., Mourão, Lucas C., Souza, Guilherme B.M. de, Pereira, Mariana B., Freitas, Fernanda F., Alonso, Christian G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2025
• Subjects: Food waste; Gasification; Hydrogen; Hydrothermal process; Supercritical water; Food waste; Gasification; Hydrothermal process; Hydrogen; Supercritical water
• ISSN: 1364-0321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.115091

The conversion of renewable biomass, particularly from food waste, into valuable energy sources via supercritical water (SCW) gasification is a promising approach for addressing environmental concerns related to sustainable energy generation, food waste, and socio-economic issues. In this sense, this review study covers the fundamental principles, process performance, and challenges of the gasification of biomass sourced from food waste by the SCW process. Additionally, it sheds light on advancements in SCW technologies (reactor design, operational conditions, catalysts utilization, etc.). The review explores the availability of food waste biomass, screens its chemical characteristics, and underscores the state-of-the-art methodologies focusing on the conversion of food waste into hydrogen-rich syngas. Thus, it outlines future research and development directions in this field, underscoring the importance of advancing SCW gasification technology for biomass valorization and waste management. [Display omitted] •Food waste production is extensively generated and not reused sufficiently.•Biomass from food waste shows potential to be converted into renewable energy.•Supercritical water gasification is a promising approach to produce H2-rich syngas.•Food waste gasification by supercritical water can yield ∼80 % of renewable H2.•Food waste is treated concomitantly with syngas production.