Intensification of the oxidation of rich methane/air mixtures by O2 molecules excited to the a 1Δg state

Methane oxidation in rich CH₄/air mixtures can be intensified by exciting O₂ molecules to the a ¹Δ_g state. Even small amounts of O₂(a ¹Δ_g) molecules reduce the ignition temperature and shorten the induction period. As compared to the oxidation of ordinary methane/air mixtures, oxidation in the presence of excited oxygen makes it possible to convert methane into synthesis gas (H₂ + CO) at low initial temperatures of ≈600 K and atmospheric pressure and to raise the H₂ and CO yields at a fixed reactor length.