Dry Reforming of Methane by DC Spark Discharge with a Rotating Electrode

A novel type of plasma reactor having a rotating electrode is proposed for CO2 reforming of methane without catalyst at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Results indicated that employing rotating ground electrode leads to a stable discharge for any period of time. Effects of feed composition, feed flow rate, applied power and electrodes separation on the carbon dioxide and methane conversions as well as the products selectivity were investigated. Increasing CO2/CH4 molar ratio in the feed favors the reagents conversion and consequently promotes the formation of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. If the target product is hydrogen, it is proposed to operate the reactor at CO2/CH4 = 1 molar ratio and if the target product is carbon monoxide then CO2/CH4 = 3 molar ratio is the preferred option for feed composition. This reactor system has advantages of stable operation and high conversion ability. Also, the obtained syngas with flexible molar ratio of H-2 to CO is suitable for vast industrial applications.