Enabling C1 Chemistry through Atmospheric Pressure Corona Discharge (non-thermal) Plasmas

Efficient implementation of C₁ chemistry has been a major goal in industrial chemistry for over a century – currently, the major methane to liquids processes involves reforming to syngas followed by catalytic CO hydrogenation. Our group has developed novel technology using atmospheric pressure corona discharge (non-thermal) plasmas implemented in microreactors. In this work we have demonstrated C₁ coupling to C₂ mixtures (ethylene and/or ethane and excess hydrogen, depending on the gas stream composition) with energetic efficiencies in the order of 70%, as well as to longer hydrocarbons. This presentation will summarize recent developments from our lab in this area.