A Review of Non-Thermal Plasma-Assisted Conversion of Flare Gases (CH_₄/CO_₂) to Methanol: Reactor Technologies, Reaction Pathways, and Process Challenges

Gas flaring activities releases large quantities of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing significantly to global warming and environmental degradation. Converting these waste gases into valuable and useful products provides a sustainable solution to both pollution and resource losses. This study examines the potential of non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology for the synthesis of methanol, an oxygenated compound and valuable chemical feedstock, from flare gases. Unlike conventional reforming methods such as steam reforming, dry reforming of methane, or tri-reforming, which requires high thermal energy, non-thermal plasma enables chemical activation at near room temperatures through electron excitation. The findings reveal that plasma processes alone lack selectivity for producing high-value oxygenates. However, impregnating NTP with suitable catalysts could enhance conversion efficiency and selectivity toward methanol. This integrated approach provides a promising alternative to the traditional two-step Fischer–Tropsch synthesis approach. Further investigation into past research efforts and future experimental designs involving plasma catalytic systems will equip researchers with essential insights needed to enhance and commercialize the production of methanol from flare gases as an emerging technology. This review uniquely integrates recent advances in non-thermal plasma reactor configurations, plasma–catalyst interactions, and methanol synthesis pathways from CH₄/CO₂-rich flare gases, providing a unified framework that highlights performance gaps and future research directions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Non-thermal plasma ، Flare gas utilization ، methane reforming ، CO₂ conversion ، Plasma catalysis ، Methanol Production