Production of hydrogen from methane using pulsed plasma and simultaneous storage in titanium sheet

High-frequency pulsed plasma (HFPP) was applied to produce hydrogen by reforming natural gas. The process is based on the molecular dissociation of the gas into different ionized species, such as H+ and H-2(+). The plasma was generated applying a pulsed voltage in an atmosphere of methane. The efficiency of the system was optimized by adjusting the frequency of the pulsed plasma aiming at maximum selectivity to hydrogen. The reforming of natural gas was accompanied by the simultaneous storage of hydrogen in a hollow cathode set-up made of titanium. Hydrogen contents higher than 900 ppm (in weight%) were stored in the Ti cathode. The efficiency of the method was compatible to industrial applications. Pyrolitic carbon condensed on the lower walls of the reactor but did not interfere with the kinetics of hydrogen absorption. In fact, the carbon produced in such manner could be considered a byproduct of the process and can be used as natural gas adsorbent once adequately activated. (c) 2005 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.