Production of Hydrogen-Rich Synthesis Gas by Pulsed Atmospheric Plasma Submerged in Mixture of Water with Ethanol

Hydrogen-rich synthesis gas was produced by pulsed dc plasma submerged into ethanol–water mixtures using an original system with a coaxial geometry. The ignition of the discharge is immediately followed by production of hydrogen and after a short time necessary for filling the outlet tubing a flame can be ignited. No auxiliary gas was used for the reforming process. The synthesis gas containing up to 60% of hydrogen was formed, at the outflow rate of 250 sccm at the average power as low as 10 W. The hydrogen production efficiency corresponds to 12 kWh/kg H₂.