176. ------. [BERGIUS, F.] [Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide From Carbon and Water.] German Patent 259,030, June 24, 1911. Chem. Abs., vol. 7, 1913, p. 2670.

The same volume of CO₂ and H₂ as of water gas may be obtained at a low temperature according to the equation: C+₂H₂O=CO₂+2H₂. For the same amount of coal, double the amount of H₂ is obtainable as when CO is formed according to the equation: C+H₂O=CO+H₂. The process consists of reacting C with H₂O in the liquid state at a high temperature, not above the critical temperature. A catalyst such as a Th compound or Mn compounds may be employed. The operation must be conducted in a pressure vessel. Details specified.