Plasma catalysis: a feasible solution for carbon dioxide valorization?

This review highlighted the current ongoing research in plasma technology and why this process needs to be explored in synergy with the other available/researched technologies worldwide. It provides a broad outlook to study the various elements of non-thermal plasma for CO2 conversion. Most commonly used reactors such as dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, microwave (MW) plasma, and gliding arc (GA) plasma are described with their operational challenges. It covers the laboratory-scale reactor designs, characterization, the overall efficiencies, the physical and chemical interplay between plasma and catalysis, as well as many of the recent efforts to improve the reaction efficiency. Multiple configurations of plasma reactors along with the effect of operating parameters such as gas flow rate, power input, diluting gas, and others on conversion and energy efficiency are reviewed in this paper. Different catalytic materials and their effect on conversion and energy efficiency are also explored. This review outlines the state-of-the-art development of the plasma catalysis process for CO2 conversion, including CO2 splitting and briefly discussing the mechanistic insights into CO2 hydrogenation and reforming. Additionally, the role and need for the intrinsic rational design of catalyst composition and structure in determining the selectivity of CO2 conversion is also deliberated. A perspective on current bottlenecks and opportunities for the advancement in development of next-generation novel catalysts for plasma catalysis for industrial applications is also presented. Graphic abstract

Automated summary

This review highlights the ongoing research in plasma technology and emphasizes the need for exploring it in synergy with other available technologies worldwide. It discusses various aspects of non-thermal plasma for CO2 conversion, reactor designs, operational challenges, efficiency improvements, and the interplay between plasma and catalysis. The review also outlines the state-of-the-art development of plasma catalysis process for CO2 conversion and the importance of rational design of catalyst composition and structure in determining selectivity.