Solar-plasma reactors for CO<sub>2</sub> conversion
Juan Pablo Trelles
Abstract
Abstract The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) for the synthesis of fuels and chemicals utilizing renewable energy, such as solar irradiation or electricity from renewable energy sources, can lead to economic development and CO 2 emissions mitigation. Solar-plasma processes aim to exploit the sustainability benefits of solar thermochemical methods and the versatility and efficiency of plasmachemical approaches. The rationale, design, and characterization of solar-plasma reactors for CO 2 conversion is presented. Solar-plasma chemical conversion processes can be classified by the relative magnitudes of input solar and electric power as either solar-enhanced plasmachemical (SEP) or plasma-enhanced solar thermochemical (PES). The implementation and evaluation of two types of solar-plasma reactors, namely solar-microwave plasma aimed at SEP chemical conversion processes and solar-gliding arc discharge for PES processes, are reviewed and contrasted. Strategies for the advancement of solar-plasma reactors for chemical synthesis are discussed.