Analysis and modelling of microwave plasma hydrogen production utilizing water vapor and tungsten electrodes.

In this study, hydrogen production via microwave plasma is investigated, analyzed and simulated in a novel way for practical applications. The water vapor when in proximity of a tungsten electrode is modeled for the generation of hydrogen gas. A numerical simulation study is performed using plasma and electromagnetic wave COMSOL modules to analyze the plasmolysis of water vapor within a vacuum concealed reaction vessel entailing a tungsten electrode. A kinetic model is therefore developed to represent the reaction mechanisms and interactions between the species within the plasmolysis reactor. The dynamic results of electron density, electron temperature, plasma rate, and species interactions are extracted through the kinetic model. Within the time domain of 10−16 to 10−14 s, the hydrogen concentration is found to increase to 4.5815 × 10−11 mol/m3 with a corresponding decrease in water vapor concentration of 1.782 × 10−8 mol/m3, respectively. The dynamic variations in the concentrations of other dissociated species are investigated across the geometry of the reaction domain studied, and it is therefore concluded that the tip of the electrode entails the highest species concentrations. • Modeling of microwave hydrogen production via water vapor in COMSOL Multiphysics. • Plasma and electromagnetic frequency domain COMSOL modules utilized. • Hydrogen concentration of 4.5815 × 10−11 mol/m3 achieved within 10−16 to 10−14 s. • Corresponding water vapor concentration reduces by 1.782 × 10−8 mol/m3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]