Oxidative coupling and reforming of methane with carbon dioxide using a pulsed microwave plasma under atmospheric pressure

A conventional high voltage wire-like plasma enhanced and spread by a pulsed microwave was used to study the oxidative coupling and reforming of CH(4) with CO(2) to CO, C(2)H(2), C(2)H(4), and H(2). Under the conditions of atmospheric pressure, a flow rate of 200 mL)min (CH(4)/CO(2) = 1.5: 1), peak microwave power of 120 W, and a pulse duty factor of 100/100 ms, conversions of CH4 and CO(2) were 70.8% and 68.8%, respectively; selectivities to CO, C(2)H(2), and C(2)H(4) were, respectively, 75%, 17.8%, and 4.1%, and there was no carbon deposit. The ratio of H(2)/CO increased with increasing CH(4) concentration in the feed gas, and a H(2)/CO ratio of 2 could be obtained at a ratio 2:1 of CH(4) to CO(2), which is acceptable for Fischer-Tropsch and other synthesis processes. The energy efficiency of the pulsed microwave plasma was obviously improved. We suggested that this enhanced pulsed plasma is useful for oxidative coupling and reforming of CH(4) with CO(2) in C1 Chemistry.