Ignition of CO2 methanation using DBD-plasma catalysis in an adiabatic reactor

In this work, a novel strategy of the use dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-catalysis for exothermic reactions is presented. DBD-plasma used as reaction ignitor, rather than classical approach continuous operation, by taking advantage synergy between catalytic plasma activation from room temperature and self-sustained reaction. CO2 methanation was performed in thermal insulated reactor using an active nickel-based catalyst loaded two bed sections, with electrodes implemented solely first section. DBD employed to activate cold conditions subsequent increase and, finally, thermal-catalysis. The experimental results pointed out sensitive dependence on gas flow rate during operation. Low-energy were found which could operate autothermal mode, after shut-off. Power start-up time optimized, obtaining considerable low (25 °C) only 3 min. Besides, operation mode maintained 8 h without any energy input. This proof-of-concept work demonstrates that can be initial power ignition proper design conditions, then, mode.