Synergistic effects of plasma Z-scheme photocatalysis process for biogas conversion

Biogas can be an energy carrier and on-site conversion of biogas into syngas provides an alternative to reduce its utilization cost and to increase its energy density since CO2 can be converted into combustible contents. In this study, perovskite-type photocatalyst LaFeO3 (LFO) and Ag-LaFeO3/TiO2 (ALFTO) are prepared and combined with a spark discharge reactor to conduct biogas reforming. Next, to reduce the influence of H2S on reforming system, another photocatalyst BaTa0.7Nb0.3O3 (BTaNO) is added to form plasma Z-scheme photocatalysis system. Results indicate that packing ALFTO enhances syngas generation rate to 20.2 »mol/kW »h but the existence of H2S leads to deactivation of photocatalyst and restriction on discharge. Further introduction of BTaNO increases the stable discharge time of the reactor. Photocatalyst characterizations further indicate that there are interactions between plasma and photocatalyst to induce synergistic effects and Z-scheme photocatalysis is beneficial to alleviate the impact of H2S on biogas reforming.