Materials, Methods & Technologies, Volume 8, 2014

Abstract: A review of investigations concerning special process called plasma electrolysis or contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE) is presented in the article. It is described physicochemical mechanisms leading to full glow discharge and phenomena occurring in the vicinity of a glow discharge electrode during the CGDE. Comparison of the CGDE as a hydrogen generating method with other methods of hydrogen production notably methanol steam reforming, conventional water and water vapor electrolysis is carried out as well. It is shown that the CGDE can be considered as a perspective technology for hydrogen generation in the future which is based on the non-Faradaic law phenomenon.