Synthesis of Liquid Organic Compounds from CH4 and CO2 in a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Operating at Atmospheric Pressure

Due to increasing attention to environmental problems, the conversion of methane and carbon dioxide into more useful chemicals represents an attractive goal. The present work reports on the formation of a liquid (20% in weight) during the dry reforming of methane in a dielectric barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy allows to define the Methyl Branching Index, which estimates the amount of branching in the liquid material. The latter consists of a wide distribution of highly methylbranched, medium sized (15-25 carbon atoms) hydrocarbon molecules. Oxygenated compounds, mainly alcohols and ketones, are also present in the liquid sample.