Gasification is a flexible approach to utilizing biomass efficiently and effectively. However, this process suffers from tar formation. Here we performed the plasmas-assisted conversion biomass gasification tar in a gliding arc discharge reactor. Toluene and the simulated product gas were used as the model tar compound and the carrier gas, respectively. The discharge characteristic measurement and the reaction performance evaluation were carried out to under the effect of gas flow rate and regulator voltage.  Results show that increasing the regulator voltage and decreasing the gas flow rate promoted the discharge, evidenced by the enhanced discharge area and the intensity of reactive species, which increased the toluene conversion but decreased the energy efficiency. The highest energy efficiency of 102.8 g/kWh is achieved when the total gas flow rate and the regulator voltage is 7.5 L/min and 175 V, respectively. In addition, the concentration of H₂ and CO in the product gas is enhanced, but that of CH₄ and CO₂ is reduced by the plasma reforming process, which might contribute to enhancement in the lower heating value of the product gas.

non-thermal plasma;gliding arc discharge;biomass gasification tar;toluene reforming;simulated product gas