CBI Pro-Akademia

PLASMAHYDROGEN developed an innovative plasma electrolytic application as a new, highly efficient renewable hydrogen-generating method. To increase the hydrogen productivity and power efficiency of the plasma electrolysis process, which is also referred to as contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE), four possible ways were investigated. These were:

1. using CO₂ and its dissociation product CO as a catalyst (so-called CO₂ catalysis);
2. a hybrid approach combining CGDE with subsequent catalytic reactions of the active species formed on the catalyst surface;
3. use of a graphite glow discharge electrode; and
4. realization of the CGDE of water in vacuum conditions.

Realization of CGDE in vacuum conditions led to a decrease in water vapor decomposition potential and an increase in CGDE power efficiency. The research project resulted in developing methods of plasma electrolytic hydrogen generation for renewable electricity storage as a possible way to compensate for the long-term fluctuations of renewable energy, such as wind and solar power. Alternative hydrogen-generating technology and a lab-scale pilot prototype of the glow discharge electrolyzer were created. In the future, using this new hydrogen-generating technology for renewable electricity storage will lead to renewables having a greater share in overall generation capacity and will decrease greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO₂, which is a global challenge.

More information about the research results are presented on PLASMAHYDROGEN website.