Nanostructured Copper Oxides for Plasma-Catalytic Partial Oxidation of Methane
摘要
This study investigates the performance of two Cu-based catalysts with different morphologies––a flaky lamellar sample (CuO-FL) and a microspherical sample (CuO-MS)––in the plasma-catalytic partial oxidation of CH4 in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor. Product distribution is shown to depend on catalyst structure. CuO-FL, the sample with a higher specific surface area and a higher concentration of acid sites, outperforms CuO-MS in terms of CH3OH yield. Using air as the oxidant decreases the yield of oxygenates and increases the content of C2 hydrocarbons. Increasing the discharge power enhances CH4 conversion but decreases energy efficiency and the yield of liquid products. Plasma catalysis enhances the yield of methanol compared to plasma-only conditions.