Direct reduction of iron ore/biomass composite pellets using simulated biomass-derived syngas: Experimental analysis and kinetic modelling

•An environmentally friendly DRI technology using biomass as additive agent in pellet was studied.•The reduction process followed the interfacial chemical reaction mechanism.•The pellets added of biomass decreases the ΔE from 97.53kJ·mol−1 to 86.05kJ·mol−1.•A novel approach to produce direct reduced iron using biomass syngas was developed.•The DRI production process can be carried out with no net CO2 emission.