Methane Incorporation Into Liquid Fuel by Nonequilibrium Plasma Discharges

The conventional ways of processing natural gas into more efficient and economical fuels usually have either low conversion rate or low energy efficiency. In this paper, a new approach of methane liquefaction is proposed. Instead of direct treatment of only natural gas, plasma-activated methane is reacting with liquid fuel. In this way, methane molecules are directly incorporated into liquid fuel to achieve liquefaction. Nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge and atmospheric pressure glow discharge are used here to ensure no local heating in gas bubbles. Effects of both discharges on methane reaction with liquid fuel are investigated, and mass and chemical changes in liquid are observed. Preliminary results show fixation of methane in liquid fuel.