Jet of atomic hydrogen on hydrocarbons (work by Bonhoeffer)
The atomic hydrogen jets on hydrocarbons lead to a decomposition of the chain to give molecules of lower molecular weight except for methane and acetylene.
The lifespan of atomic hydrogen is relatively long: 1/10 of a second. It can restore molecular H2 by triple shock. In fact, it is absorbed by the walls. If there are metal oxides in the reactor, these can annihilate the atomic hydrogen.
Pt = Pd> W> Fe = Cr> Ag> Cu> Pb> Hg
The action of these metals on atomic hydrogen decreases from Pt to Hg. A scale of activity of metals has therefore been represented as catalysts of the reaction.
The electric discharge can be used to form other free atoms. The discharge is too powerful to make polyatomic radicals. It is difficult to control the failure mechanisms.
http://perso.orange.fr/chimie.sup/therm ... aires.html