CO2 microwave plasma-catalytic reactor for efficient reforming of methane to syngas

Abstract

CO2 was converted to synthesis gas in a microwave plasma-catalytic reactor by methane reforming at atmospheric pressure. The hybrid system used waste heat from the plasma to heat the catalyst. Conversion degrees were examined as a function of gas temperature, and the reforming efficiency of the plasma-only system was compared with that of the hybrid system. As a result, the hybrid system was shown to be more efficient under catalyst-free conditions. The use of microwave plasma alone resulted in low conversions of CO2 and CH4, which were 32.9% and 42.7%, respectively, at 3 kW microwave power. High CO2 and CH4 conversions of 87.9% and 92.9%, respectively, were achieved in the presence of catalyst at the same microwave power. At constant microwave power, catalyst addition increased the H2 and CO mass yield rates to 0.27 kg/h and 2.012 kg/h, respectively. Additionally, the H2 energy yield were 270 g/h, and 91.2 g/kWh. Thus, the developed hybrid system is well suited for efficient and economically viable CO2 reduction and synthesis gas production, paving the way for next-generation CO2 utilization and zero-emission industrial processes.