Bingzhang Xue

Methane Conversion to Higher Hydrocarbons in the Presence of Carbon Dioxide Using Dielectric-Barrier Discharge Plasmas

Experimental investigation has been conducted to convert methane into higher hydrocarbons in the presence of carbon dioxide within dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) plasmas. The objectives of cofeed of carbon dioxide are to inhibit carbon deposit and to increase methane conversion. The products from this plasma methane conversion include: (1) syngas (H2+CO), (2) gaseous hydrocarbons containing ethylene, acetylene, and propylene, (3) liquid hydrocarbons, (4) plasma-polymerized film, and (5) oxygenates. The selectivity of products is subject to the DBD plasma-reactive conditions and catalyst applied. The liquid hydrocarbons produced by this way are highly branched, which represents a better fuel production.

Partial Oxidation of Methane to Methanol with Oxygen or Air in a Nonequilibrium Discharge Plasma

The partial oxidation of methane to methanol with oxygen or air was investigated experimentally and theoretically in a dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD). The predominant parameters of specific electric energy, oxygen content, flow rate, temperature, and gas pressure were determined in CH4/O2and CH4/air mixtures. Optimum selectivities toward methanol formation were found at an oxygen concentration of about 15% in both feed gas mixtures. Low specific energy favors the selectivity toward methanol and suppresses the formation of carbon oxides. The experiments indicate that high methanol selectivities can be obtained at high methane conversion. The highest methanol yield of 3% and the highest methanol selectivity of about 30% were achieved in CH4/O2mixtures. In CH4/air mixtures, as high as 2% methanol yield was also obtained. In addition, other useful products, like ethylene, ethane, propane, and ethanol, were detected. Experiment and numerical simulations show that the formation of H2O and CO has a strong negative influence on methanol formation.

Plasma methane conversion using dielectric-barrier discharges with zeolite A

Abstract Experimental investigation on plasma methane conversion in the presence of carbon dioxide using dielectric-barrier discharges (DBDs) has been conducted. Zeolite A has been applied to inhibit the formation of carbon black and plasma-polymerized film during such plasma methane conversion. A co-generation of syngas, light hydrocarbons and liquid fuels has been achieved. The conversions and selectivities are determined by the CH4/CO2 feed ratio, residence time and input power. Compared to the use of zeolite X within the DBDs, plasma methane conversion with zeolite A leads to a higher selectivity of light hydrocarbons (C2–C4).

Floating double probe characteristics of non-thermal plasmas in the presence of zeolite

The combination of catalyst and non-thermal plasmas has led to some unusual chemical behaviors, especially with zeolite catalyst. A mechanism has been proposed to explain the observed interaction between catalyst and non-thermal plasmas. This mechanism includes two aspects: plasma promoted or induced catalysis and catalyst enhanced non-equilibrium of non-thermal plasmas. In this paper, we present some direct experimental evidence for the catalyst (zeolite)-enhanced non-equilibrium of non-thermal plasmas suggesting the use of zeolite increases, significantly, the electron temperature of non-thermal plasmas, while the gas temperature remains unchanged. A floating double-probe characteristic has been utilized to measure the electron temperature. Compared to the case without zeolite, the electron temperature of non-thermal plasmas with Mo-Zn/HZSM-5 increases up to 250%, while, at the same time, the discharge power reduces 58%, compared to that without zeolite.

Zeolite-Enhanced Plasma Methane Conversion Directly to Higher Hydrocarbons Using Dielectric-Barrier Discharges

A zeolite-enhanced plasma methane conversion with pure methane feed using dielectric-barrier discharges (DBDs) at atmospheric pressure has been conducted. This plasma methane conversion over NaX has led to a selective production of light hydrocarbons.

General Description/Approach and Methodology

This chapter describes the approach and methodology developed by the organizers of CETP to organize and run an interdisciplinary program, including participants from industry, academia, and the stakeholder community, to analyze the environmental impacts of the generation of electricity in Shandong Province, China. The objective of the Program was to compare different combinations of technologies and policy to identify scenarios feasible for policy makers in Shandong concerned with mitigating the impacts of power generation on the environment and citizens of the region. Ultimately, the idea is to apply such a methodology to any region on earth.