Effect of gas flow rate and discharge volume on CO2 methanation with plasma catalysis

Abstract

Abstract CO2 methanation can be a key technology for realizing a sustainable society. CH4 is used as an energy carrier and raw material for chemical products, thereby contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Methanation with plasma catalysis lowers the process temperature, which can improve the throughput and stability. In this study, we investigated the effect of the gas flow rate and the discharge volume on CO2 methanation, using a low-pressure capacitively coupled plasma reactor. Higher gas flow rates can increase the rate of CO2 throughput, but the CH4 selectivity decreases owing to the reduced transportation rate of the reactants to the catalyst surface. Increasing the discharge volume is effective in improving the transportation rate. This study suggested that the structure of the reactor significantly affects the CH4 generation rate.