Hydrogen Generation by Pulsed Gliding Arc Discharge Plasma with Sprays of Alcohol Solutions

The formation rates and energy yields of H-2 formed from methanol, propanol, and ethanol solutions exposed to a nonthermal pulsed plasma-gliding arc reactor equipped with a spray nozzle were determined. The H-2 energy yield formation was the highest with Ar carrier and pure methanol giving 176 +/- 25% kW h at the highest liquid flow rate. This value is higher than other reported plasma technologies and within error of the energy yields for more conventional thermal reforming. Liquid droplets can enhance energy yield; however, the low chemical yields of H-2 suggest the need for reactor operation with a recycle stream.