Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge in a Mixture of Carbon Dioxide and Methane

The electrical characteristics, emission spectra, and composition of gas products in a DC discharge mixture of CO2 and CH4 at different polarities of the applied voltage and an AC discharge (50 Hz) at atmospheric pressure and different ratios of CO2 and CH4 flow rates have been investigated. The best degree of CH4 decomposition is about 95%. The degree of CO2 decomposition ranges from 85%-95% at a CO2/CH4 consumption ratio equal to one. The best characteristics of the decomposition process are obtained in a direct current discharge under conditions when the cathode is located in the part of the discharge tube opposite to the point of introduction of the gas mixture.