Oxidative Conversion of Gaseous Alkanes C3-C4 in the Barrier Discharge Plasma

Abstract

The oxidative conversion of gaseous alkanes C3-C4 in the barrier discharge plasma into valuable oxygenates is investigated. The process of transformation has the single stage and carried out without catalyst using and under on the temperature of environment. The main products are hydroxyl and carbonyl compounds with the amount of carbon atoms equaled to the same amount of carbon atoms in initial gaseous hydrocarbons as opposed to partial oxidation of propane and butanes with the main products of methanol, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, lower carbon acids, and carbon oxides. To avoid the formation of deposit on the electrode surface we add vapors of liquid hydrocarbon (octane) into a gaseous hydrocarbons feedstock. The mechanism of gaseous alkanes oxidation process implying the dissociation of oxygen and alkane molecules by means of the impact of barrier discharge electron is proposed. The proposed mechanism of oxidation of gaseous hydrocarbons resembles the mechanism of oxidation of liquid alkanes. In both cases the main products (hydroxyl and carbonyl compounds) are produced due to the fact of undergoing of the disproportination reaction of the peroxide radicals.