Energy, catalyst and reactor considerations for (near)-industrial plasma processing and learning for nitrogen-fixation reactions

Abstract

The MAPSYN project of the European Union (standing for Microwave, Acoustic and Plasma SYNtheses) aims at the utilization of plasma technology for nitrogen fixation reactions on an industrial scale and with industrial plasma reactor technology, developed and utilised commercially [1]. Key motif is enhanced energy efficiency to make an industrial plasma process viable for chemical industry. The corresponding enabling technologies - plasma catalysis, smart reactors (microreactors) and more - go beyond prior approaches. Continuing a first more project-based literature compilation, this overview focus on the two first enabling functions, plasma catalysis and smart reactor technology, which are reviewed for industrial and near-industrial plasma-based applications. It is thereby evident that notable promise is given for the nitrogen fixation as well and indeed this has been demonstrated also for nitrogen fixation; yet, initially and without the holistic system engineering dimension. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.