In the present study, the potential of cotton stalks utilization for H(2) and syngas production with respect to Co(2) mitigation, by means of thermocheMical conversion (pyrolysis and gasification) was investigated. Pyrolysis was conducted at temperature range of 400-760 degrees C and the main parametric study concerned the effect of temperature on pyrolysis product distribution. Atmospheric pressure, air gasification at 750950 degrees C for various lambda (0.02-0.07) was also studied. Experimental results showed that high temperature favors gas production in both processes; while low), gasification gave high gas yield. Syngas (CO and H(2)) Was increased with temperature, while CO(2) followed an opposite trend. By pyrolysis, higher H(2) concentration in the produced gas (similar to 39% v/v) was achieved and at the same time lower amounts of CO(2) produced, compared to air gasification. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.