The influence of electric circuit parameters on NOx generation by transient spark discharge _ data

dataset for

The influence of electric circuit parameters on NOx generationby transient spark discharge

Abstract

Nitrogen fixation, production of NO and NO₂ from N₂ and O₂ in air, has been investigated with
transient spark self-pulsing DC discharges. NO production is boosted by the addition of capacitors
and an inductor to the electrical circuit which drives the discharge. The quantity of NO produced
per joule of electrical input energy is doubled, though the quantity of NO₂ produced drops. The
yield of NO is also increased because the modified circuit enables higher discharge currents to be
used. NO concentrations as high as 2000 ppm were obtained with input energy densities of around
300 J per litre of input gas, whilst NO₂ concentrations were around 150 ppm. This simple
modification of the driving circuit may have potential for optimizing the plasma chemistry with
other input gas mixtures and for scaling up nitrogen fixation from air.