Ionic liquids as novel catalysts for methane conversion under a DC discharge plasma

Abstract

Nine imidazolium-based ionic liquids were investigated as novel catalysts for methane conversion in a direct current (DC) discharge plasma reactor. The conversion of methane increased from 21.2% to 43.6% in the plasma system when the C6MIMHSO4 IL was used as a catalyst, C6MIMBF4 successfully achieved 91.0% selectivity for C2 hydrocarbons. The results of the optical emission spectroscopy indicate that the intensity of the C2, CH, H, C+, and C active species from methane decomposition increased when C6MIMHSO4, C6MIMCF3COO, and C6MIMBF4 were introduced into the plasma system. FTIR analysis indicates that C6MIMBF4 is steady in the DC discharge plasma.