Pyrolysis and Gasification of Biomass in Solar and Simulated Solar Environments: The Pioneering Works of Michael J. Antal in the Period of 1976–1989

The present paper summarizes the main works that Michael J. Antal performed between 1976 and 1989 in the field of biomass conversion under the influence of concentrated radiation. Both solar furnaces and solar simulators have been used. The experiments and modelings (pyrolysis and gasification) have been made under a great number of conditions (types of biomasses, reactors, etc.). The numerous results include new insights in the best knowledge of radiant reactors and fundamental general aspects of biomass gasification and fast pyrolysis. Two other types of reactions carried out in solar simulators are also described in this review. More than 30 years later, many of these pioneering works have unfortunately been forgotten. It is concluded that authors working in these topics would greatly benefit by examining the related works published by Michael J. Antal before starting new research programs.