LAUSR

Abstract In this work, it was shown that low-temperature plasma initiated in liquid-phase media in the discharge gap between the electrodes is capable of efficiently decomposing hydrogen-containing molecules of various organic compounds and their mixtures with the formation of gaseous products in which the proportion of hydrogen is more than 90% according to gas chromatography data. In the course of work, an experimental setup for hydrogen production was designed and manufactured, which includes a steel reaction chamber with a cooling jacket, a power supply with adjustable parameters, an ultrasonic generator and transducer, and a gas extraction system. Optimal conditions for the production of hydrogen (yield and selectivity) have been found, and principles have been developed for the automation of the process and the design of a semi-continuous pilot plant in order to increase productivity. The reaction products and the purity of the obtained hydrogen are characterized by a set of instrumental methods of physicochemical analysis, including gas and liquid chromatography, microscopy, calorimetry, and other methods. Preliminary estimates of the energy efficiency, calculated taking into account the heat of combustion of hydrogen and the initial substances, as well as the consumption of electricity, showed an efficiency level of about 60–70%, depending on the composition of the initial mixture. Theoretical calculations of the voltage and current of the discharge were also carried out during the simulation of the process, which are consistent with the experimental data. A by-product of hydrogen production by the acoustoplasma discharge method during the decomposition of organic liquids is carbon, which is formed in the form of agglomerates of nanoparticles of various structures and is deposited during the reaction at the bottom of the reaction chamber. As shown by the results of analyzes and stoichiometric calculations, the formation of these by-products consumes most of the carbon and oxygen contained in the molecules of the initial liquid, thereby the resulting gaseous mixture is significantly enriched in hydrogen. The resulting nanoparticles and their agglomerates can also be used as fillers, dyes, components of composite materials.