Catalysis Enabled by Plasma Activation of Strong Chemical Bonds: A Review

Nonthermal plasma-driven catalysis is an emerging subfield of heterogeneous catalysis that is particularly promising for the chemical transformation of hard-to-activate molecules (e.g., N₂, CO₂, CH₄). In this Review, we illustrate this promise of plasma-enhanced catalysis, focusing on the ammonia synthesis and methane dry reforming reactions, two reactions that have received wide attention and that illustrate the potential for plasma excitations to mitigate kinetic and thermodynamic obstacles to chemical conversions. We highlight how plasma activation of reactants can provide access to overall reaction rates, conversions, product yields, and/or product distributions unattainable by thermal catalysis at similar temperatures and pressures. Particular emphasis is given to efforts aimed at discerning the underlying mechanisms at play in these systems. We discuss opportunities for and challenges to the advancement of the field.