Hydrogen Sulfide Decomposition in Pulsed Corona Discharge Reactors

Hydrogen sulfide (H$_{2}$S) decomposition was carried out in each of four balance gases (Ar, He, N$_{2}$ and H$_{2})$ in a wire-in-tube pulsed corona discharge reactor. H$_{2}$S conversion rates and H$_{2}$S decomposition energy efficiencies depend on the balance gas and H$_{2}$S concentrations. H$_{2}$S conversion in monatomic balance gases, like Ar and He, is more efficient than in diatomic balance gases like N$_{2}$ and H$_{2}$. Low pulse forming capacitance, low charge voltage, and high pulse frequency operation produces the highest energy efficiency for H$_{2}$S conversion at constant power. H$_{2}$S conversion is more efficient in Ar-N$_{2}$ gas mixture than in Ar or N$_{2}$. These results can be explained by corona discharge observations, the electron attachment reactions of H$_{2}$S and the proposed reaction mechanism of H$_{2}$S dissociation. The results reveal the potential for energy efficient H$_{2}$S decomposition in pulsed corona discharge reactors.