Syngas production and applications for greenhouse gas mitigation

Production of synthesis gas for various applications in response to greenhouse gas mitigation is discussed in this chapter. Carbon dioxide and methane are major contributors among greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide reforming of methane to synthesis gas attracts larger interests amid continuous depletion of petroleum reservoirs and threats of global warming. At commercial level, syngas is being produced from energy intensified steam reforming of methane in catalytic reactors. It is essential to explore alternative, effective technologies for synthesis gas production. Thus, this chapter elaborates the potential applications of plasma and photo technologies for carbon dioxide reforming of methane. The plasma technology allows higher conversion and selectivity with lower input energy while photocatalysis consumes less energy than conventional methods by utilizing solar energy. With the aid of these technologies, new and innovative processes for sustainable development by mitigating greenhouse gases for synthesis gas production are possible.