Gliding arc plasma dry reforming of n-dodecane for H2 production: A mechanism study combined with experimental methods and kinetic modeling

Abstract

Dry reforming technology is promising because it can simultaneously produce syngas (H₂ and CO) and efficiently convert the greenhouse gas CO₂. This study investigated the dry reforming (DR) of n-dodecane in a gliding arc plasma (GAP) reactor through integrated experimental and kinetic simulation approaches. Key operating parameters—O/C molar ratio, input power, and residence time—were evaluated for their influence on syngas production and reactant conversion. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) identified active species, with spectral line intensities analyzed across varying O/C ratios. A validated zero-dimensional kinetic model, aligned with experimental data, revealed that H₂ generation during C₁₂H₂₆ conversion is predominantly driven by recombination of n-dodecane with H atoms. H₂ production primarily arises from hydrocarbon electron impact reactions (e.g., C₂H₆, C₂H₄) and H atom recombination with species such as C₃H₆, CH₄, and C₃H₈. Detailed reaction pathways and mechanisms in the dry reforming system are elucidated through integrated experimental and kinetic modeling analyses. The n-dodecane conversion follows the following order: X(DR) > X(SR) > X(POR).