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A Microplasma Reactor for Chemical Process Intensification
Author(s) -
Lindner P. J.,
Besser R. S.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
chemical engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-4125
pISSN - 0930-7516
DOI - 10.1002/ceat.201100684
Subject(s) - microplasma , plasma , atmospheric pressure , chemical reactor , combustion , chemical process , chemistry , radical , chemical reaction , process (computing) , hydrogen , process engineering , materials science , chemical engineering , analytical chemistry (journal) , organic chemistry , computer science , physics , engineering , quantum mechanics , operating system , meteorology
A novel approach to chemical process intensification based on microplasma reactor systems is presented. Microplasmas (plasmas generated in sub‐mm volumes) possess a favorable reaction environment because of high densities of reactive ions, radicals, and electrons. Moreover, operation under atmospheric pressure and near‐room temperature makes them convenient for implementation. Experiments utilized a microfabricated microplasma reactor to intensify the reforming of methanol into a hydrogen‐rich product stream useful for energy applications such as combustion or fuel cells. A reaction model elaborates the key mechanisms and demonstrates that reaction rates in the microplasma environment surpass those of conventional plasma reactors. The outcome is that microplasma chemical processing is a viable approach for hydrocarbon reforming and merits consideration for other chemical reaction applications.