Effect of non-Thermal plasma on carbon dioxide reforming of methane to hydrogen

A method of hydrogen production from greenhouse gases by non-thermal plasma was studied. The effect of plasma on the reforming of methane and carbon dioxide into hydrogen was analyzed as functions of different parameters including power input, electrode gaps, total gas fluxes and methane/carbon dioxide ratios in customized single and double dielectric reactors. Results showed that higher power input, smaller electrode gap and total gas flux would contribute to better performance of reforming. Based on the results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and emission spectrum analysis, the mechanism of different reforming products such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen, other organic by-products and carbon deposition is discussed based on numerous free radicals including ·C, ·CH_x, ·CO, ·H, and ·O in the discharge zone.