Plasma-Chemical Decomposition of Hydrocarbons

High-voltage low-current electric discharge in liquid hydrocarbons was studied. This type of discharge is classified as an intermediate type of discharge between a difficult discharge and an underdeveloped arc. The discharge is characterized by a high cathode potential drop and a fairly large vapor-gas volume. The composition of the gas formed in the discharge due to the decomposition of hydrocarbons with subsequent reassembly was white and heavier than air. It was found that hydrogen makes up 40% of the released gases; ethylene, about 45%; and methane, about 7%. Solid deposits are carbon nanostructures with a small content of sulfur and vanadium.