Plasma-assisted conversion of carbon-rich solid feedstocks offers a promising route to enhanced hydrogen production and value-added carbon materials. However, the mechanisms by which DBD plasma regulates gas-phase conversion and the formation of carbonaceous solid products remains unclear. This study investigates DBD-assisted pyrolysis of wood-derived sawdust biomass at 550°Ϲ, followed by reforming in a downstream DBD zone held at 250°Ϲ. SEM–EDS revealed power-dependent changes in the surface elemental distribution and composition of the biomass pyrolysis residues, with O decreasing from 85.66 wt% at 0 W to 73.31 and 71.35 wt% at 15 and 80 W, respectively, while Ca increased from 6.67 to 9.42 and 11.97 wt%. Al increased similarly, whereas Si increased at 15 W before decreasing at 80 W; Na was detected only under plasma conditions. GC analysis revealed a consistent product hierarchy of CO >> H₂ > CO₂ > C₂ hydrocarbons, with negligible CH₄. These results provide evidence for the potential of DBD-assisted pyrolysis to direct carbon-rich solid feedstocks toward hydrogen and value-added carbon products.
 

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD),Biomass,Coal,Plasma-assisted pyrolysis,Plasma catalysis