Methane coupling and reforming using non-equilibrium pulsed discharge at room temperature

Selective formation of C₂H₂ and/or CO was achieved using a periodic pulsed spark discharge, with and without catalysts, at room temperature. The selective formation of C₂H₂ with high conversion was achieved. A 49% yield of C₂H₆ was obtained in Pt/SiO₂ and discharge combined system. With the increased of CO₂ content, C₂ selectivity decreased sharply, while CO selectivity increased drastically. Under the condition of high CH₄ concentration, the formation of C₂H₂ was predominant whereas under the condition of high CO₂ concentration, CO became the main product. The use of pretreated NiMgO solid solution catalyst increased CO selectivity to 85% at CH₄/CO₂ = 1:1, while no remarkable effect was observed without pretreated catalysts. The pulsed spark discharge reaction of CH₄ in the presence of O₂ produced CO and C₂H₂ at room temperature while suppressing carbon deposition and CO₂ formation.