Plasma-assisted hydrogen generation: A mechanistic review

A review of hydrogen production technologies using plasma was presented especially with a view point of reaction mechanism. In the hydrogen production process to which plasma is applied, the method of plasma contributing to the reaction may vary depending on the type and characteristics of the feed. Heavy hydrocarbon, natural gas, biomass, ammonia, and water are presented as feeds that can be sources of hydrogen. Then, brief survey and discussions are presented for the studies producing hydrogen in each feed. The discussion presented includes how electronic/ionic and vibrational excitation contribute to the activation of the reaction, and a discussion on what should be considered in the design of plasma process for hydrogen generation in view point of energy usage and possible reaction mechanism. •Methods of plasma-assisted hydrogen production are reviewed according to feed type.•Effects of feed type on desired plasma chemistry and source are discussed.•Reactor shape and reaction pathway are considered as important factors.•Current status of plasma-assisted hydrogen production technologies is summarized.