Effect of Pretreatment by Sulfuric Acid on Cellulose Decomposition Using the In-Liquid Plasma Method

Abstract

Hydrogen energy is the most promising source of sustainable energy under development. The decomposition of cellulose suspension for hydrogen production by using a 27.12 MHz in-liquid plasma was carried out at atmospheric pressure. Various types of reagents, such as 1 mol/dm³ H₂SO₄, 1 mol/dm³ NaOH and 0.333 mol/dm³ Na₂SO₄, were used and compared as to the rate of gas production. Cellulose dispersed in acid liquids is decomposed indirectly by active radicals by the plasma. The highest hydrogen production rate was obtained by employing 1 mol/dm³ NaOH. The gasification rate of cellulose suspension was determined from the increase of C atoms in the product gas. When 1 mol/dm³ NaOH was used, the rate was 7 times greater than that for pure water. It was found that carbon atoms in the product gas is indicative of the decomposition rate of the cellulose suspension.