N₂/Ar Mixed Discharge for Efficient Nitrogen Activation toward Green Ammonia Synthesis Application

Area of Science:

• Sustainable chemistry
• Plasma science
• Catalysis

Background:

• Ammonia synthesis is crucial for industry but often relies on energy-intensive processes.
• Plasma/liquid (P/L) reactions offer a sustainable alternative by using water and plasma-activated nitrogen.
• Efficient nitrogen activation is key to P/L ammonia synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of argon admixture in nitrogen plasma for ammonia synthesis.
• To understand how argon affects nitrogen activation and atomic nitrogen lifetime.
• To optimize the P/L reaction for enhanced ammonia production.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing nitrogen-argon (N2/Ar) mixed plasma.
• Employing optical emission spectroscopy to assess electron temperature and energy transfer.
• Quantifying atomic nitrogen (Natom) using vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Argon admixture enhanced electron collision processes and energy pooling in N2/Ar plasma.
• The apparent lifetime of Natom was extended by argon admixture.
• Improved transfer efficiency of activated nitrogen to the liquid phase was observed.

Conclusions:

• Argon-admixed nitrogen plasma significantly improves ammonia synthesis via the P/L reaction.
• This method offers a greener, more sustainable pathway for ammonia production.
• Optimizing plasma parameters, like argon concentration, is crucial for efficient green ammonia synthesis.