Mechanism of plasma chemistry in CO2 hydrogenation using a dielectric barrier discharge reactor

Abstract Plasma‐induced CO 2 hydrogenation process has received much attention, while the related plasma chemistry has not been profoundly explored. Herein, electron‐induced and thermochemical effects on CO 2 hydrogenation in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor were investigated. The temperatures for the discharge pattern transition for CO 2 /H 2 , CO 2 /H 2 /N 2 , CO 2 /H 2 /Ar, and CO 2 /H 2 /He mixtures were 623, 623, 600, and 600 K, respectively. CO 2 conversion was controlled by electron‐induced reactions and was sensitive to discharge pattern and electron density but not electron energy. In contrast, product formation was governed by the thermo‐induced chemistry. These results are useful for a better understanding of plasma‐induced CO 2 hydrogenation.