Plasma-assisted methane pyrolysis in a DC thermal plasma torch: experimental investigation and thermodynamic-kinetic modeling

Authors

  • A. Essiptchouk Department of Environment Engineering, Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University, UNESP, São José dos Campos, 12245-000, Brazil
  • F. Miranda Division of Fundamental Sciences, Technological Institute of Aeronautics, São José dos Campos, 12228-900 , Brazil
  • E. Prado Division of Fundamental Sciences, Technological Institute of Aeronautics, São José dos Campos, 12228-900 , Brazil
  • D. Leite Division of Fundamental Sciences, Technological Institute of Aeronautics, São José dos Campos, 12228-900 , Brazil
  • R. Segantine Division of Fundamental Sciences, Technological Institute of Aeronautics, São José dos Campos, 12228-900 , Brazil
  • G. Petraconi Division of Fundamental Sciences, Technological Institute of Aeronautics, São José dos Campos, 12228-900 , Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14311/ppt.2026.2.49

Keywords:

Plasma-assisted hydrogen production, thermal plasma, methane pyrolysis, turquoise hydrogen, Gas-phase kinetic modelling

Abstract

Methane pyrolysis in a DC nitrogen thermal plasma torch with post-discharge methane injection was investigated experimentally and numerically for low-carbon hydrogen production. Gas compositions were measured under steady operation and analyzed using thermodynamic equilibrium calculations and gas-phase kinetic modeling based on a reduced GRI-Mech 3.0 mechanism. High methane conversion and hydrogen fractions of 20–30 vol % were obtained. Kinetic results indicate that finite residence times and non-equilibrium effects explain the persistence of hydrocarbons, highlighting the advantages of post-discharge injection for stable plasma operation.

 

References

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Published

2026-07-27

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 A. Essiptchouk, F. Miranda, E. Prado, D. Leite, R. Segantine, G. Petraconi

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