Nonequilibrium Pulsed Discharge:  A Novel Method for Steam Reforming of Hydrocarbons or Alcohols

Abstract

Steam reforming of methane, propane, hexane, cyclohexane, methanol, and ethanol using a nonequilibrium pulsed discharge was investigated under the conditions of atmospheric pressure and low temperature (393 K) without the use of catalyst. In each case, steam reforming proceeded efficiently and selectively and hydrogen was formed as a main product. Although the steam/carbon ratio was 1, there were trace amounts of carbon deposition or wax formation. The energy injection for the discharge region calculated by current and voltage waveforms measured by a digital signal oscilloscope was very small. As compared with the conventional catalytic steam reforming process, this method has some advantages such as fast start-up, quick response, and miniaturization and simplification of a hydrogen production system. Therefore we consider that the hydrogen production system employing a nonequilibrium pulsed discharge has a potential for being an effective way for supplying hydrogen or syngas.