Dry Reforming of Methane in DBD Plasma over Ni‐Based Catalysts: Influence of Process Conditions and Support on Performance and Durability

Abstract

The conversion of greenhouse gases, H2 and CO selectivity, H2/CO ratio, and carbon formation in the dry reforming reaction over Ni‐supported ZSM‐5, Al2O3, and TiO2 are tested under thermal, plasma, and plasma–thermal conditions. It is observed that the dielectric nature, specific surface area, and acid‐base properties of the support influence the performance during the DRM reaction. Typical results indicate that the best activity and syngas yield are achieved with 15Ni/Al2O3 under plasma conditions, possibly due to the high dielectric constant and surface area of Al2O3 and nanosize of Ni. In the thermal condition, the highest conversion of 73% and 68% for CH4 and CO2, respectively, is achieved over 15Ni/ZSM‐5 at 500 °C. Plasma‐assisted thermal conditions provide the highest conversion due to the activation of reactants and their partial conversion in the plasma zone before entering into the catalytic zone. The plasma‐assisted thermocatalytic conversions of CH4 and CO2 reach the best values of 76% and 71%, respectively, on 15Ni/ZSM‐5. Under the same conditions, 68% and 65% conversion of CH4 and CO2, respectively, is achieved with 15Ni/Al2O3 where the selectivity for H2 and CO is 45% and 58%, respectively.

Dry Reforming of Methane under Mild Conditions Using Radio Frequency Plasma

“…Recently Ray et al published in this Journal work on performing DRM in an improved DBD reactor with catalysts and the possibility of heating them up thermally to obtain higher yields of syngas. [19] Confirming earlier studies Ray et al demonstrate that the energy cost of performing DRM by DBD both with or without catalysts remains very high (about 5 times the thermal equilibrium limit). [19] In our work we will compare the DRM performance of the improved plasma enhanced temperature DBD of Ray et al with our plasma only RF-ICP reactor.…”

“…[19] Confirming earlier studies Ray et al demonstrate that the energy cost of performing DRM by DBD both with or without catalysts remains very high (about 5 times the thermal equilibrium limit). [19] In our work we will compare the DRM performance of the improved plasma enhanced temperature DBD of Ray et al with our plasma only RF-ICP reactor. Another way to produce valuable hydrocarbons from methane without syngas involves the partial oxidation of methane to methanol.…”

“…Here we demonstrate much higher product yields without using a catalyst applying radio frequency inductively coupled plasma (RF-ICP). [19] RF-ICP has several advantages that makes it suitable for DRM: 1. RF allows to generate a non-thermal plasma at low pressures (i.e.…”

Dry reforming of methane in a temperature-controlled dielectric barrier discharge reactor: disclosure of reactant effect

“…Different NTP generation methods [6][7][8][9][10] as well as the combinations of NTP with heterogeneous catalysts [11][12][13][14][15][16] have been investigated to make the process commercially feasible in terms of energy efficiency and product selectivity. It is generally recognized that the hotter plasmas, e.g.…”

Hydrogen Production via Partial Oxidation Reforming of Methane with Gliding Arc Discharge Plasma

“…[14,15] It is also reported that the assistance of plasma can improve the performance of catalysts. [16][17][18] DBD and corona discharge can ensure a high conversion of the chemical reaction, but the low treatment capacity is not conducive to industrial applications. MW discharge requires additional vacuum auxiliary equipment thus increase the investment and energy consumption in the process.…”