Hydrogen generation from greenhouse gas by discharge plasma

CH4 is decomposed by a low-pressure DC glow discharge, and partial pressures of H2 and other byproducts are measured by the mass spectrometry. The decomposition rate of CH4 and H2 conversion rate are calculated from the partial pressure, and the effects of mixed gases with CH4 on the decomposition characteristics of CH4 and H2 conversion rate are investigated. It is found that CH4 is completely decomposed in the DC glow discharge, and that 80%, 75% and 70% of hydrogen atoms contained in CH4 are converted into H2 in CH4-Ar mixture, pure CH4 and CH4-CO2 mixture, respectively. It is also found that CO, which can be used as fuel, is produced in the DC glow discharge by the decomposition of CO2 in CH4-CO2 mixture.特集 : 「資源、新エネルギー、環境、防災研究国際セミナー