Conversion of biogas like mixtures to C2 hydrocarbon in a plug flow reactor supported by a DBD at atmospheric pressure

The conversion of biogas like mixtures of methane and carbon dioxide was studied in a plug flow reactor with a dielectric barrier discharge. A 13.56 MHz power supply generated the atmospheric plasma discharge. Studied concentration of methane ranged from 0 to 100%, with missing part filled up with carbon dioxide. This mixture was diluted with helium to 2.5% with small part of the product stream monitored online at a total pressure of 100 mbar by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer supported by a White-cell and a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The reactor was driven at different flow rates. This DBD reactor produces all three hydrocarbons, with ethane being the major compound. The concentration of ethane increases when the power in the plasma region increases from 30 to 65 W. This product concentration also grows up, if the fraction of methane in the inlet flow is increased. The highest amount of ethane (5.4%) is produced, when the gas stream consist of 2.5% Methane and 97.5% helium at a flow rate of 200 sccm.