| AVS 60th International Symposium and Exhibition | |
| Plasma Science and Technology | Tuesday Sessions |
| Session PS-TuP |
| Session: | Plasma Science and Technology Poster Session |
| Presenter: | J. Cole, Case Western Reserve University |
| Authors: | J. Cole, Case Western Reserve University R.M. Sankaran, Case Western Reserve University |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
Hydrocarbon conversion plays an important role in our energy economy. For example, the conversion of natural resources such as methane into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, ethanol, and other chemical fuels is essential to current and future energy needs. Typically, hydrocarbon conversion (specifically, methane reforming) is carried out by high-temperature (>500 °C), catalytic processes. To lower the temperature requirements and improve the conversion and selectivity, non-equilibrium plasmas have been explored for the conversion of hydrocarbon feedstocks1. However, the power requirements and stability at high pressures have been obstacles to achieving significant improvement. In this study, we explore the application of a novel class of atmospheric-pressure plasmas, microplasmas2, for the conversion of hydrocarbon gases including CH4 and CO2. As carbon dioxide emissions increase globally, reactions consuming CO2 may become a necessity. The reaction of CO2 with CH4, known as dry methane reforming, is endothermic and normally requires high temperature and pressure and a catalyst; however, a non-equilibrium microplasma could potentially carry it out at room conditions. Additionally, when coupled with a catalyst, plasmas in general have been shown to have a synergistic effect3 that improves conversion beyond that of just the plasma alone or catalyst alone.
In this study, CO2 and CH4 were introduced into a microplasma in varying feed ratios and flow rates. The effluent was characterized by simultaneous gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify and quantify products. Reactive intermediate species were monitored by optical emission spectroscopy and soot formation was detected by aerosol ion mobility measurements. Results for CO2 and CH4 conversion as well as selectivity to specific products such as CO, H2, and higher order hydrocarbons will be presented, as well as the formation of soot.
References
[1] Fridman A, Gutsol A, and Rabinovich A. "Combustion-assisted Plasma in Fuel Conversion." J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 44 (2011).
[2] Mariotti D, and Sankaran R M. "Microplasmas for Nanomaterials Synthesis." J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 43 (2010).
[3] Chang M B, et al. "Review of Plasma Catalysis on Hydrocarbon Reforming for Hydrogen Production—Interaction, Integration, and Prospects." Applied Catalysis B: Environmental 85 (2008).