The model also shows that the solubility/vaporisation of carbon
dioxide has an influence on the overall enthalpy change
in the model system. The vaporisation of the carbon dioxide
requires energy, which can be sufficient to make an exothermic
system endothermic. The thermodynamic equilibrium model,
therefore, suggests that injection of carbon dioxide into the
system would not affect methane conversion, or acetic acid
degradation significantly. However, gas collection from the
vapour phase may result in better degradation of acetic acid, but
will require the supply of much more external energy (thermal
energy) to the system.