Moist Biogas Conversion in a Plasma-Catalytic System.

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy
• Plasma Chemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Conventional fuels pose environmental risks, driving the search for sustainable alternatives like biomass.
• Biomass can be converted into biogas, primarily composed of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
• Current applications of biogas are limited, necessitating methods for upgrading its composition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To convert low methane biogas into a hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) mixture using plasma and plasma-catalytic systems.
• To investigate the influence of water vapor on the conversion efficiency and byproduct formation.
• To optimize the process for increased production of valuable syngas components.

Main Methods:

• Utilized plasma and plasma-catalytic reactors for biogas conversion.
• Introduced varying concentrations of water vapor into the reaction system.
• Employed catalysts, specifically reduced cobalt, to enhance the conversion process.
• Analyzed gas composition and monitored soot formation via carbon balance.

Main Results:

• Both plasma and plasma-catalytic systems increased the content of combustible gases.
• Water vapor addition positively affected the conversion of CH4 and CO2.
• Water vapor significantly reduced soot formation, as indicated by carbon balance calculations.
• A maximum hydrogen molar fraction of 0.16 was achieved using a reduced cobalt catalyst.

Conclusions:

• Plasma and plasma-catalytic processes are effective for upgrading biogas into a hydrogen and carbon monoxide mixture.
• Water vapor is a crucial factor in optimizing biogas conversion, reducing undesirable soot formation.
• The use of specific catalysts, like reduced cobalt, can significantly enhance hydrogen yield for broader applications.