Characterization of pulsed discharge plasma at atmospheric pressure

The production of hydrogen and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by the decomposition of methane inside the reactor using pulsed discharge plasma under conditions of room temperature and atmospheric pressure was investigated and characterized. The development of dissociation of methane with corona discharge under several conditions had been observed. We have noticed that the key radicals such as CH3 and H produced by pulse corona plasma from source gas, will undergo chain reaction leading to efficient formation of hydrogen gas as well. We have found the external diameter and resistivity of CNTs around 50 nm and 0. 15 Omega cm respectively. The main results obtained from the present experiments could be quite useful for the production of hydrogen, CNTs, and future industrial applications. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.