Methane Incorporation into Liquid Fuel by Non-Equilibrium Plasma Discharges

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel plasma-based method for methane liquefaction by directly incorporating methane into liquid fuels using non-equilibrium discharges, potentially improving efficiency over traditional methods.

Contribution

It presents a new plasma-assisted approach for methane liquefaction through direct reaction with liquid fuels, avoiding local heating and enabling methane fixation.

Findings

Methane is successfully incorporated into liquid fuel.

Both nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge and glow discharge facilitate methane fixation.

Preliminary results indicate effective methane reaction with liquid fuel.

Abstract

The conventional ways of processing natural gas into more efficient and economical fuels usually either have low conversion rate or low energy efficiency. In this work, a new approach of methane liquefaction is proposed. Instead of direct treatment of only natural gas, plasma activated methane is reacting with liquid fuel. In this way, methane molecules are directly incorporated onto liquid fuel to achieve liquefaction. Nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge and atmospheric pressure glow discharge are used here to ensure no local heating in gas bubbles. Effects of both discharges on methane reaction with liquid fuel are investigated, mass and chemical changes in liquid are observed. Preliminary results show fixation of methane in liquid fuel.