US EPA

6126031 

Journal Article 

Hydrogen production by reforming of hydrocarbons and alcohols in a dielectric barrier discharge 

Sarmiento, B; Brey, JJ; Viera, IG; Gonzalez-Elipe, AR; Cotrino, J; Rico, VJ 

2007 

Yes 

Journal of Power Sources
ISSN: 0378-7753 

169 

1 

140-143 

10.1016/j.jpowsour.2007.01.059 

WOS:000247233700022 

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378775307002224
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This work reports about the use of plasmas to obtain hydrogen by reforming of hydrocarbons or alcohols in mixtures with CO2 or H2O. The plasma is activated in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor working at atmospheric pressure and low temperatures (i.e., about 100°C). The reactor presents a great versatility in operation and a low manufacturing cost. Results are presented for the reforming of methane, methanol and ethanol. Methane transforms up to a 70% into CO and H2 without formation of any kind of superior hydrocarbon. For the two alcohols 100% conversion into the same products is found for flows much higher than in the case of methane. The work reports a description of the reactor and the operational conditions of the power supply enabling the ignition of the plasma and its steady state operation. 

plasma reaction; hydrogen production; hydrocarbon reforming; alcohol reforming; DBD plasma