Plasma-assisted partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas in a dielectric barrier discharge

The partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas was investigated in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). The effect of gas temperature, frequency of the applied voltage, input energy, total gas flow rate on the reagent conversions and product distribution was determined. The plasma initiates the reaction at low temperatures. Methane and oxygen conversions depend on temperature and the energy input per unit flow. The product selectivities observed are compared with thermal equilibrium calculations. Carbon monoxide and water are the main products of the plasma-assisted methane oxidation in the DBD in the presence of alpha-Al2O3 catalyst support in the discharge zone. When a Ni/CL-Al2O3 catalyst is present in the plasma zone, the interactions between nickel catalyst and plasma result in oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide at 300 degreesC and above, whereas the selectivity to H-2 and H2O remains stable. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.