Synthesis of oxygenated compounds from methane, carbon dioxide and water in liquid phase using a plasma-catalytic system

Direct synthesis of methanol and other oxygenated compounds (ethanol, propanol, acetaldehyde, formic acid, acetic acid and propanoic acid) was carried out through the partial oxidation of methane process using carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) and water in liquid phase (water has only been used in the form of steam). The activation process was carried out with dielectric barrier discharge plasma (sinusoidal power) and in the presence of a catalyst. A Colombian natural zeolite, glass wool and a material composed of magnesium oxide and alumina were used in this scientific investigation as catalysts. Tests in the presence/absence of catalyst, presence/absence of liquid water and combinations of the previous tests were carried out in order to establish which conditions allow to obtain the highest conversion of reagents and selectivity to oxygenated compounds. It was evidenced that the glass wool allows to obtain the highest levels of reagent conversion, followed by the magnesium catalyst and finally the natural zeolite. Regarding selectivity, the natural zeolite showed to be efficient for the obtaining of oxygenated compounds. It was also established that the presence of liquid water in the reactor decreases the conversion of the reactants, but favors the formation of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and especially oxygenated compounds.