Plasma Technology for CO2 Conversion: A Personal Perspective on Prospects and Gaps

• Published in: Frontiers in energy research Vol. 8
• Main Authors: Bogaerts, Annemie, Centi, Gabriele
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 07.07.2020
• Subjects: CO2 conversion; dielectric barrier discharge; gliding arc; microwave plasma; plasma; plasma catalysis
• ISSN: 2296-598X; 2296-598X
• DOI: 10.3389/fenrg.2020.00111

There is increasing interest in plasma technology for CO2 conversion because it can operate at mild conditions and it can store fluctuating renewable electricity into value-added compounds and renewable fuels. This perspective paper aims to provide a view on the future for non-specialists who want to understand the role of plasma technology in the new scenario for sustainable and low-carbon energy and chemistry. Thus, it is prepared to give a personal view on future opportunities and challenges. First, we introduce the current state-of-the-art and the potential of plasma-based CO2 conversion. Subsequently, we discuss the challenges to overcome the current limitations and to apply plasma technology on a large scale. The final section discusses the general context and the potential benefits of plasma-based CO2 conversion for our life and the impact on climate change. It also includes a brief analysis on the future scenario for energy and chemical production, and how plasma technology may realize new paths for CO2 utilization.