Nitrogen fixation as NOx using air plasma coupled with heterogeneous catalysis at atmospheric pressure

Pei, Xuekai; Li, Yiheng; Luo, Yi; Man, Chenxi; Zhang, Yumin; Lu, Xinpei; Graves, David B.

doi:10.1002/ppap.202300135

Nitrogen fixation as NO_x using air plasma coupled with heterogeneous catalysis at atmospheric pressure

Journal Article · Thu Nov 02 00:00:00 EDT 2023 · Plasma Processes and Polymers

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.202300135· OSTI ID:2282128

^[1]; Li, Yiheng ^[1]; Luo, Yi ^[1]; Man, Chenxi ^[1]; Zhang, Yumin ^[1]; Lu, Xinpei ^[2]; ^[3]

Wuhan Univ. (China)
Huazhong Univ. of Science and Technology, Wuhan (China)
Princeton Univ., NJ (United States); Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)

Here, this study presents insights into the use of activated Al₂O₃ catalysts to improve the energy efficiency of NO_x production in atmospheric pressure air plasma. The introduction of catalysts in the direct current glow discharge system reduces the energy cost of NO_x production by up to 45% at low gas flow rates. Notably, even when positioned away from the plasma zone, the catalyst enhanced NO_x production, suggesting a significant role for the catalytic activation of downstream neutral species. The study also introduced a novel approach involving an air plasma jet infused with floating catalyst powder. This method significantly increased energy efficiency at higher discharge currents, with an associated energy cost of 2.9 MJ/mol for NO_x production.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Princeton, NJ (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: AC02-09CH11466

OSTI ID:: 2282128

Journal Information:: Plasma Processes and Polymers, Journal Name: Plasma Processes and Polymers Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 21; ISSN 1612-8850

Publisher:: WileyCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
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References (28)

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Nitrogen fixation as NO_x using air plasma coupled with heterogeneous catalysis at atmospheric pressure