Conversion of methane through dielectric-barrier discharge plasma

Methane coupling to produce C₂ hydrocarbons through a dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reaction was studied in four DBD reactors. The effects of high voltage electrode position, different discharge gap, types of inner electrode, volume ratio of hydrogen to methane and air cooling method on the conversion of methane and distribution of products were investigated. Conversion of methane is obviously lower when a high voltage electrode acts as an outer electrode than when it acts as an inner electrode. The lifting of reaction temperature becomes slow due to cooling of outer electrode and the temperature can be controlled in the expected range of 60°C–150°C for ensuring better methane conversion and safe operation. The parameters of reactors have obvious effects on methane conversion, but it only slightly affects distribution of the products. The main products are ethylene, ethane and propane. The selectivity of C₂ hydrocarbons can reach 74.50% when volume ratio of hydrogen to methane is 1.50.