Experimental Investigation of Biogas Conversion Towards Sustainable Hydrogen Production Using Plasma Catalytic Technologies

Lydia Onyinye Anochie; Stanley Chukwuebuka Anochie

doi:10.56201/rjpst.vol.9.no1.2026.pg30.44

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Experimental Investigation of Biogas Conversion Towards Sustainable Hydrogen Production Using Plasma Catalytic Technologies

Lydia Onyinye Anochie, Stanley Chukwuebuka Anochie

Abstract

The transition to a low-carbon economy requires innovative technologies for sustainable hydrogen production. This experimental study investigates plasma catalytic conversion of simulated biogas (60% CH4, 40% CO2) to hydrogen using a dielectric barrier discharge reactor at ambient conditions. The research systematically examines the effects of applied power (10-20 W), argon dilution (0-50%), and catalyst packing materials on reactant conversions and syngas selectivity. Power variation studies revealed optimal CH4 and CO2 conversions of 9% and 3% respectively at 14 W, with H2 selectivity reaching 54% at 20 W. Argon addition significantly enhanced performance, with 30% dilution providing optimal balance between reactant conversion and product selectivity. CH4 conversion increased from 7% to 19% with argon co-feeding, while maintaining stable syngas production. Catalyst studies using ?-Al2O3 and 5 wt.% Pd/?-Al2O3 demonstrated that palladium-loaded catalysts achieved superior performance with CH4 conversions up to 21% and significantly reduced energy costs for hydrogen production by 72%. However, thermogravimetric analysis revealed carbon deposition as the primary deactivation mechanism, with 1.46% of fed carbon accumulating on Pd/?-Al2O3 surfaces. The findings demonstrate plasma catalysis as a promising route for hydrogen-rich syngas production from biogas under mild conditions, while highlighting the persistent challenge of catalyst deactivation through carbon formation. Word count: 4949

References

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Experimental Investigation of Biogas Conversion Towards Sustainable Hydrogen Production Using Plasma Catalytic Technologies

Abstract

References

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