A novel synthesis of diesel fuel additives from dimethyl ether using dielectric barrier discharges

A diesel fuel additive has been synthesized from conversion of dimethyl ether (DME) using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at atmospheric pressure and low temperatures. A high conversion of DME has been achieved. The product of such conversion is a mixture of hydrocarbons and oxygenates that can be used as high-performance diesel fuel additives. The maximum conversion of DME reached 47.2% with a selectivity of liquid product (a mixture of dimethoxy-containing hydrocarbons) more than 39.0% at 120°C and a 30 ml/min flow rate of DME.