Liquid oxygenated hydrocarbons produced during reforming of CH4 and CO2 in a surface dielectric barrier discharge: Effects of steam on conversion and products distribution

We have developed a low-temperature atmospheric surface dielectric barrier discharge reactor that transforms biogas into liquid chemicals. The influence of steam on the conversion of methane and carbon dioxide and the distribution of products vs specific energy input was investigated. The conversion rates of 44% for CH4 and 22% for CO2 were reached based on our operational conditions. The lowest energetic cost of 26 eV/molecule was reached when steam was added at the in-feed. The selectivity of 3 wt. % for liquid hydrocarbon was achieved. More than 12 chemicals were produced as a result of biogas (CH4 + CO2) transformation. Methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone constituted the most abundant oxygenated hydrocarbon liquids at room temperature. The main gaseous products were H2, CO, C2H4, and C2H6.