Nonequilibrium plasma-induced catalysis

Abstract

Nonequilibrium plasma is recognized as possessing a catalytic function because plasma-generated reactive species initiate chemical reactions at much lower temperatures than thermochemical reactions. Moreover, the energy necessary for an endothermic reaction is delivered by electric charges independently of the temperature gradient. Such a unique catalysis is enhanced dramatically when nonequilibrium plasma is generated over solid catalysts, accelerating low temperature surface reactions by lowering the apparent activation energy. The application of plasma catalysis has been growing rapidly with the controlled growth of carbon nanomaterials, atomic layer deposition and the low temperature activation of alkanes. This paper focuses on the nonequilibrium plasma catalytic conversion of CH₄ and CO₂, exploring new frontiers of plasma science in the energy and environmental fields.