CO2 reforming of CH4 by binode thermal plasma

A binode thermal plasma is first applied to CO₂ reforming of CH₄ to investigate how to enlarge the process and lower energy consumption. Experimental study is conducted in two modes. One is to introduce feed gases (CH₄ and CO₂) only into discharge region between the first anode and the second anode as plasma-forming gas; the other is to introduce them not only into discharge region but also into the plasma jet from the exit of plasma generator. The experimental results show that, the former brings about higher conversion and selectivity but appreciably lower energy conversion efficiency due to its higher energy utilization, while the latter brings about higher energy conversion efficiency but somewhat lower conversion and selectivity due to its larger feeding of CH₄ and CO₂. Furthermore, during discharge in both modes, the oxidation on cathode and anode, or carbon deposition in plasma generator is not observed.