CO2 conversion by plasma: how to get efficient CO2 conversion and high energy efficiency

Abstract

Conversion of CO₂ into CO with plasma processing is a potential method to transform intermittent sustainable electricity into storable chemical energy. The main challenges for developing this technology are how to get efficient CO₂ conversion with high energy efficiency and how to prove its feasibility on an industrial scale. In this paper we review the mechanisms and performance of different plasma methodologies used in CO₂ conversion. Mindful of the goals of obtaining efficient conversion and high energy efficiency, as well as industrial feasibility in mind, we emphasize a promising new approach of CO₂ conversion by using a thermal plasma in combination with a carbon co-reactant.