Methane conversion to higher hydrocarbons in a dielectric-barrier discharge reactor with Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

Plasma catalytic reactions were applied to the conversion of methane to C2, C3 or higher hydrocarbons in a dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) reactor at atmospheric pressure. Methane conversion was increased with the increase of Pt loading on γ-Al2O3. The highest C2H6 selectivity was 50.3% when 3 wt% Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was calcined at 573 K. Methane conversion was increased with the increase of the catalyst weight in DBD reactor. The major products were C2H6 and C3H8, which were independent of catalyst weight in the presence of catalyst.