Basic Research on Conversion of Greenhouse Gases by Thermal Plasma Technique

Development of plasma methods for chemical transformation of CO₂and CH₄ into useful compounds is of paramount importance from two standpoints of C₁ chemistry and so-called green chemistry. Thermal plasma which has high temperature and high enthalpy was used to study carbon dioxide decomposition, methane decomposition and carbon dioxide reforming of methane. The results show that thermal plasma is an effective means for carbon dioxide and methane transform. The mutual promotion between carbon dioxide and methane in reforming process should be considered in order to obtain high conversion of CH₄ and CO₂, and high chemical energy efficiency.