On the kinetics and equilibria of plasma-based dry reforming of methane

Plasma reactors are interesting for gas-based chemical conversion but the fundamental relation between plasma chemistry and selected conditions remains poorly understood. Apparent kinetic parameters loss formation processes of individual components gas processes, can however be extracted by performing experiments in an extended residence time range (2–75 s) fitting composition to a first-order model evolution towards partial equilibrium (PCE). We specifically investigated differences characteristics PCE state CO2 dissociation CH4 reforming reactions dielectric barrier discharge reactor (DBD), how these mutually affected when combining both gases dry methane (DRM) reaction, they change packing material (non-porous SiO2) is added reactor. find that characterized comparatively high reaction rate 0.120 s−1 compared at 0.041 s−1; whereas reaches higher conversions, 82% 53.6% dissociation. Combining feed makes DRM proceed relatively (0.088 s−1), (75.4%) dissociation, through accessing new pathways products CH4. The addition also distinctly influence position equilibrium, its precise effect depends strongly on composition. Comparing different CO2:CH4 ratios reveals delicate balance combined chemistry. drives DRM, mixture suppresses back reactions. As result, our methodology provides some insight necessary systematically tune process.