Effect of non-thermal plasma on carbon dioxide reforming of methane to hydrogen

Abstract

Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are widely acknowledged as the major greenhouse gases. Theoretically speaking, the mixture of methane and carbon dioxide would reform into gas fuels like hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) under certain treatment conditions. However, the traditional conversion of methane and carbon dioxide requires a high temperature, which can cause carbon deposition and deactivate the catalyst. Non-thermal plasma technology can alleviate this problem. In this research, a method of hydrogen production from greenhouse gases by non-thermal plasma was studied. We discussed the influence of plasma on the reforming of methane and carbon dioxide into hydrogen as functions of different parameters like power input, electrode gaps, total gas fluxes and methane/carbon dioxide ratios in customized single and double dielectric reactors. Meanwhile, the potential mechanism for the reforming has also been discussed. As a result, it was observed higher power input, smaller electrode gap and total gas flux would contribute to better performance of reforming. Based on the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and emission spectrum analysis, the mechanism of different reforming products such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen, other organic by-products and carbon deposition is discussed based on numerous free radicals including ·C, ·CHx, ·CO, ·H, and ·O in the discharge zone.