Concurrent Synthesis of Hydrocarbon and High Value-Added Carbon Forms Via Thermal Plasma Reforming of Hydrocarbon Resources

Concurrent Synthesis of Hydrogen and High Value-Added Carbon Forms Via Thermal Plasma Reforming of Hydrocarbon Resources DOE Grant No. 02-98ER86080 Amount: $99,977 Small Business MotorCarbon LLC 720 Mound Avenue P.O. Box 856 Miamisburg, OH 45343 Dr. Joseph W. Hager, Principal Investigator Mr. John W. Newman, Business Official (606) 325-3616 Research Institution Drexel University 32nd and Chestnut Streets Philadelphia, PA 19104 The elimination of carbon dioxide as a by-product of hydrogen production would provide important environmental benefits. This project will establish an environmentally responsible manufacturing technology to derive hydrogen, along with value-added carbon forms, from various hydrocarbon resources. The process is based on the use of a consumable catalyst to enhance hydrocarbon pyrolysis in a thermal plasma. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of generating hydrogen and various forms of carbon in reactors heated with direct current and radiofrequency. Existing torches will first be modified to accept the injection of solid, liquid, or gaseous hydrocarbons and will then be operated under conditions to effect the intended pyrolysis. The resultant carbon forms will be evaluated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The proposed process is expected to find commercial application in the generation of hydrogen without the production of greenhouse gases and in the preparation of precursor powders for near net-shape carbon artifacts._