Dry Reforming of Methane under Mild Conditions Using Radio Frequency Plasma

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a challenging process wherein methane reacts with CO2 to give syngas. This reaction is strongly endothermic, typically requiring temperatures higher than 500 degrees C. Catalysts can be used, but the high temperatures (which are a thermodynamic requirement) often lead to catalyst deactivation. Herein, the reaction from another conceptual direction is approached, using low-power radio frequency inductively coupled plasma (RF-ICP). It is demonstrated that this system can give high conversions of methane and CO2 at near-ambient temperatures. Importantly, the energy costs in this system are considerably lower compared with other plasma-driven DRM processes. Furthermore, it is shown that the yield of hydrogen can be increased by minimizing the C2 compound formation. The factors that govern the DRM process and discuss H-alpha emission and its influence on H atom recycling in the process are examined.