DBD Plasma Reactor With Liquid Electrode for Low-Temperature Oxygenates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for converting hydrocarbons to oxygenates using carbon dioxide require high temperatures and pressures, making direct transformation challenging, and existing plasma-based methods often necessitate additional heating and cooling systems, limiting efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor with a liquid ground electrode is used to convert carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons into oxygenates at ambient pressure and low temperatures, utilizing plasma-generated reactive species without external heating, and optionally with catalysts to enhance selectivity and yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional catalytic reforming is used to convert CO2 and hydrocarbons to oxygenates, then the conversion can proceed, but high temperature and high pressure are required due to chemical inertness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the reaction system by introducing plasma (a fourth state of matter) to activate CO2 and hydrocarbon molecules. This parameter change allows the reaction to proceed at low temperature and pressure by providing alternative activation pathways through reactive plasma species, overcoming the chemical inertness that normally requires harsh thermal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal mechanical activation system (high temperature and pressure) with a plasma-based activation system. Instead of relying on thermal energy to overcome activation barriers, the invention uses plasma-generated reactive species (radicals, ions, excited molecules) to initiate and drive the conversion reaction under mild conditions
2Reliability
If high temperature and pressure are applied to overcome activation barrier, then conversion can occur, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the energy input parameter from thermal energy (heat) to plasma energy (electrical energy converted to reactive species). This parameter change enables reaction activation at low temperature by using plasma to generate highly reactive intermediates that can drive the conversion without requiring substantial thermal energy input
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces plasma as an intermediary activation medium between the reactants (CO2 and hydrocarbons) and the desired oxygenate products. The plasma generates reactive species that act as intermediaries to facilitate the conversion, providing a low-energy pathway that bypasses the need for high-temperature thermal activation
3Productivity
If thermal catalytic reforming via syngas route is used, then oxygenates can be produced, but the process requires two steps and high energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the CO2 reforming step and the oxygenate synthesis step into a single integrated plasma reaction process. Instead of sequentially performing syngas production followed by oxygenate conversion, the plasma simultaneously activates both CO2 and hydrocarbons and directs them toward oxygenate formation in one reaction zone, eliminating the intermediate syngas isolation step
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the syngas intermediate step from the conventional two-step process. By using plasma to directly activate and convert CO2 and hydrocarbons to oxygenates, the invention removes the need for the intermediate syngas production and separation stage, simplifying the overall process architecture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method achieves high conversion and selectivity of oxygenates with reduced energy consumption, allowing integration with renewable energy sources and flexible operation, and eliminates the need for additional heating or cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric barrier discharge, DBD, device arranged to generate a plasma
Implementation Method 2
The conversion of syngas to oxygenates at high pressure and relatively high temperature. The first step for syngas production is highly endothermic and requires high temperatures and energy input. It is almost impossible to directly convert hydrocarbons with CO2 to oxygenates in a single step bypassing the generation of syngas. Non-thermal plasmas have been employed as a highly promising approach for converting a wide range of stable C-containing molecules to syngas, alcohols and oxygenates in a single step under low temperature and ambient pressure. The energetic electrons can activate molecules via excitation, dissociation and ionization.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for forming a C1 to C5 oxygenate from carbon dioxide and a C1 to C4 hydrocarbon is described. The apparatus comprises: a dielectric barrier discharge, DBD, device arranged to generate a plasma; and a passageway having an inlet for the carbon dioxide and the C1 to C4 hydrocarbon and an outlet for the oxygenates. In one example the passageway includes therein a catalyst. The passageway extends, at least in part, through the DBD device wherein, in use, the carbon dioxide in reacted with the C1 to C4 hydrocarbon in the generated plasma, thereby forming the oxygenates from at least some of the carbon dioxide and the C1 to C4 hydrocarbon. The DBD device comprises a conducting liquid as a ground electrode. A method and a use are also described.