Erlangen 2026 – wissenschaftliches Programm
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P: Fachverband Plasmaphysik
P 16: Poster Session Plasma Physics
P 16.58: Poster
Donnerstag, 19. März 2026, 13:45–15:45, Redoutensaal
CH4 Conversion with a microwave plasma torch — •Clemens Kranig1, Ante Hecimovic1, and Ursel Fantz1,2 — 1Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, Boltzmannstr. 2 — 2University of Augsburg, Universitätsstr. 1, D-86159 Augsburg
The use of microwave plasmas for converting various gases into value added chemicals is a promising technology, as the process relies solely on electrical power input and offers short start-up times - both advantageous when integrating such a technology with renewable power in terms of energy storage. In that regard, methane is an attractive feedstock due to its high volumetric hydrogen content. In a plasma torch, a low-temperature plasma with gas temperatures of 4000 - 6000 K is generated, enabling endothermic reactions such as methane pyrolysis (CH4 → 2H2 + Cs) and dry reforming of methane (CH4 + CO2 → 2H2 + 2CO). Deposition of solid carbon and post-plasma water condensation complicate atomic balances (H, C, O), posing key challenges for process analysis. This contribution investigates the conversion of CH4 and CH4/CO2 mixtures for H2 or syngas production. Plasma characterization is performed via optical emission spectroscopy, complemented by downstream gas analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.
Keywords: Microwave plasma, Gas Conversion, Methane