Abstract

An analytical review of the results of experimental studies of carbon dioxide decomposition in microwave discharges is presented. Based on comparative analysis of published data, an attempt is made to determine the discharge parameters and installation design ensuring the maximal values of the degrees of carbon dioxide decomposition and of the energy efficiency. The maximal values of the carbon dioxide decomposition (29%) and energy efficiency (47–90%) are reached in discharge installations based on transmission lines and cavities operating in the continuous mode at a frequency of 2.45 GHz in subsonic and supersonic gas flows at power consumptions of approximately 7 eV/molecule and pressures from 100 to 150 torr. Installations in which pulsed microwave radiation sources and catalysts are used for carbon dioxide utilization are of potential interest.