Cellulose Decomposition in Electrolytic Solution Using In-Liquid Plasma Method

Abstract

For future sustainable-energy development, H₂ is a promising fuel. Cellulose suspensions can be decomposed by 27.12-MHz radio frequency in-liquid plasma to produce H2. In-liquid plasma decomposition uses an electrolyte solution of Na₂SO₄ to improve the efficiency of H₂ production. H₂ is the main product generated by plasma breakdown of cellulose; however, small quantities of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other low-grade flammable gases are also produced. Plasma generation requires the electron emission which increase with collision of Na⁺ and SO₄²⁻ ions onto a copper electrode. Therefore, size of plasma increases with the concentration of Na₂SO₄ which leads to an increase in the decomposition amount of cellulose, so the energy efficiency improved. In addition, to estimate OH radical concentration, H₂O₂ concentration in solution was measured. Since OH radicals are consumed for cellulose decomposition, the concentration of H₂O₂ in the cellulose suspension was very small.