Efficient methane-to-acetylene conversion using low-current arcs

selectivity of greater than 90% while maintaining a methane conversion rate of greater than 70%, depending on the conditions. The novel rotating arc enabled the elongation of the arc column itself, which controlled heat loss and improved the energy use for reaction. The ability to control the arc length based on low-current type arc generation has additional benefits for reaction enhancement. These results demonstrate that arc control, optimization of the reaction conditions, and a full understanding of reaction pathway are viable means for the energy-efficient direct conversion of methane to acetylene.