Plasma-induced conversion of surface-adsorbed hydrocarbons

Technical Report · Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10156508· OSTI ID:10156508

Sackinger, W M

Experimental results are reported for an electrical device for direct conversion of methane into higher hydrocarbons. A microchannel plate is excited with electrons from a photoemissive source, and electron impact ionization of methane on the inner surfaces of the microchannels creates an ion feedback process. The resulting low-density plasma creates higher hydrocarbons when charged particles impact the surfaces at grazing incidence. The production Of C{sub 2} to C{sub 8}-containing gases was noted, with a selectivity for C{sub 2} of 39% in one case. The proportions of converted products and the conversion rates depend upon the electrical voltage, the microchannel geometry, and the operating pressure. Conversion rates increase with operating pressure.

• Research Organization: Alaska Univ., Fairbanks, AK (United States). Geophysical Inst.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG21-90MC27420
• OSTI ID: 10156508
• Report Number(s): DOE/MC/27420-92/C0038; CONF-920584-23; ON: DE92016719
• Resource Relation: Conference: US Department of Energy contractor review meeting on natural gas research and development,Morgantown, WV (United States),5-6 May 1992; Other Information: PBD: [1992]
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
METHANE
CONVERSION
HYDROCARBONS
SYNTHESIS
IONIZATION
PLASMA
PRESSURE EFFECTS
HYDROGEN
ADSORPTION
ELECTRONS
REDUCTION
DIMERIZATION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
DEUTERIUM
CARBON 13
TRACER TECHNIQUES
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
SPECIFICITY
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
GEOMETRY
010600
010408
PROPERTIES AND COMPOSITION
C1 PROCESSES