Methane conversion into synthetic fuels using microplasma reaction technology

A direct and selective synthesis of oxygenates via methane partial oxidation at room temperature using a non-thermal discharge microreactor is described. Heat generated by methane partial oxidation was removed efficiently in the microreactor configuration. Low temperature synthesis promoted condensation of liquid components on the microreactor wall and pulsed water injection was introduced to wash out condensed oxygenates. In this contribution, the effect of pulsed water injection on methane conversion, the oxygenates yield, and the formation of hydrogen peroxide (H ₂O ₂) as an intermediate oxidation product are described. Results of the oxidizing effect of H ₂O ₂ on post-discharge liquid components are reported. The overall kinetics of the process is described by dividing into three different stages: electron impact dissoiation of reactants (oxygen and methane), successive radical reactions in the gas phase followed by condensation of oxygenates and self-oxidation in the post-discharge liquid.