Imaging studies of plasma streamers in liquids for the production of hydrogen-rich gas

Summary form only given. Plasmas contain highly reactive radicals and free electrons, both of which are known to enhance the rates of a variety of chemical reactions. We are using this principle to explore the use of plasma streamers as a means for reforming organic liquids into hydrogen-rich gas. In this analysis, imaging studies of plasma streamers formed in liquids are presented. These studies aim to characterize plasma streamers as a function of several parameters including electrode polarity, conductivity and molecular structure of the liquid, and input power. This data, when coupled with a chemical analysis, aids in the study of plasma-induced processes of liquid hydrocarbons and alcohols. The reactions took place in an adjustable gap point-plane electrode system, which was fully submerged in liquid and housed within a 300 ml cylindrical aluminum vessel. A 20 nF capacitor bank, charged by a high voltage dc supply and triggered with a pressurized gas switch, provided ± 12-35 kV, 1 μs pulses to induce the reaction.