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Probing the Role of a Non‐Thermal Plasma (NTP) in the Hybrid NTP Catalytic Oxidation of Methane
Author(s) -
Gibson Emma K,
Stere Cristina E,
CurranMcAteer Bronagh,
Jones Wilm,
Cibin Giannantonio,
Gianolio Diego,
Goguet Alexandre,
Wells Peter P.,
Catlow C. Richard A.,
Collier Paul,
Hinde Peter,
Hardacre Christopher
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201703550
Subject(s) - catalysis , chemistry , methane , nonthermal plasma , mass spectrometry , anaerobic oxidation of methane , heterogeneous catalysis , thermal oxidation , photochemistry , plasma , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , chromatography , physics , quantum mechanics , silicon , engineering
Abstract Three recurring hypotheses are often used to explain the effect of non‐thermal plasmas (NTPs) on NTP catalytic hybrid reactions; namely, modification or heating of the catalyst or creation of new reaction pathways by plasma‐produced species. NTP‐assisted methane (CH 4 ) oxidation over Pd/Al 2 O 3 was investigated by direct monitoring of the X‐ray absorption fine structure of the catalyst, coupled with end‐of‐pipe mass spectrometry. This in situ study revealed that the catalyst did not undergo any significant structural changes under NTP conditions. However, the NTP did lead to an increase in the temperature of the Pd nanoparticles; although this temperature rise was insufficient to activate the thermal CH 4 oxidation reaction. The contribution of a lower activation barrier alternative reaction pathway involving the formation of CH 3 (g) from electron impact reactions is proposed.