Effects of discharge frequency on the conversion of n-hexadecane by pulsed liquid-phase discharge in recycle and batch devices

Converting hydrocarbons can make the fossil fuel industry more flexible in responding to market changes by producing various products to meet market demands. Efficient, clean, and flexible plasma processes are a highly promising technology for hydrocarbon processing and conversion. In this study, the conversion of n-hexadecane was investigated using ethanol solution-assisted pulsed liquid-phase discharge plasma. The effects of recycle and batch devices and discharge frequency on feedstocks conversions and product yields were examined. The use of a recycle device facilitated the conversion of n-hexadecane. Adjusting the frequency enabled the regulation of products concentration. High discharge frequency increased the cracking of n-hexadecane and promoted further cracking of reactants into smaller molecular products, boosting the proportion of H₂ and C₂ hydrocarbons, and enhancing the yield of gases and light hydrocarbons. Reducing the frequency favored polymerization reactions, resulting in the formation of heavy hydrocarbons. At a frequency of 10.2 kHz, the recycle device achieved a gas production rate of 112.1 mL/min and a gas production efficiency of 87.5 mL/kJ. With an SEI of 3202 kJ/L, the conversion of n-hexadecane was 15.5 %, the yield of light hydrocarbons was 717.0 mg, and the light product selectivity was 97.1 %. This study offers an efficient approach for the processing and conversion of hydrocarbons in the fossil fuel industry.