Coupled Sliding Discharges: A Scalable Nonthermal Plasma System Utilizing Positive and Negative Streamers on Opposite Sides of a Dielectric Layer

A nonthermal plasma system based on simultaneously formed positive and negative streamers on either side of a dielectric layer is described. The coupled sliding discharge (CSD) reactor based on this concept was found to be scalable by stacking and operating multiple electrode assemblies in parallel, similarly to the shielded sliding discharge (SSD) reactor reported earlier. A comparison of the two systems showed that although the energy density in the CSD reactor was lower, the efficiency for NO conversion and ozone synthesis from dry air were significantly higher. The energy cost for 50 % NO removal was ~30 eV/molecule compared to ~60 eV/molecule in the case of the SSD under the same conditions of 330 ppm initial NO concentration in air. The energy cost decreased to ~12 eV/molecule in both cases when NO was mixed with plasma-activated air at the outlet of the reactor to utilize ozone for NO conversion i.e., indirect plasma treatment. The energy yield for ozone generation from dry air was at ~70 g/kWh, comparable in both systems. The results show that the concept of a CSD, as that of SSDs, allows the construction of compact, efficient plasma reactors.     

A High-Efficiency Double Surface Discharge and Its Application to Ozone Synthesis

Surface discharge with the flat plate configuration tends to generate a uniform and high-density plasma during ozone synthesis, but suffers from relatively low energy yield at high ozone concentration. Here we report that a double surface discharge reactor can produce, at the same input power, two uniform plasma zones that locate two sides of the thin dielectric layer simultaneously, which results in a high ozone energy yield at high ozone concentration. Discharge characteristics confirm that reducing dielectric thickness and discharge gap favors the achievement of high plasma-density and energy efficiency. The optical emission spectroscopy diagnosis suggests that the double surface discharge with thinner dielectric thickness and narrower discharge gap possesses much higher electron density, as well as higher excitation temperature and low rotational temperature, which is responsible for the excellent performance in ozone synthesis. The optimal parameters of 0.25 mm dielectric thickness and 2 mm discharge gap enable ozone synthesis to proceed with an energy yield of 295.2–108.7 g/kWh at ozone concentration of 11.1–48.3 g/Nm³ and exhibit a good stability during a 4-h test. This performance surpasses the performance of many other typical discharge processes for ozone synthesis.     

Synthesis of Aluminum Oxide Nanostructures on the Silicon Surface

Data on the synthesis of aluminum oxide nanostructures on the silicon surface by the oxidation of atomic aluminum layers with a high-frequency inductively coupled oxygen discharge plasma are reported. The conditions for the formation and the properties of aluminum oxide nanolayers were determined. It was found that this method affords oxide films with uniform structure and composition.__________Translated from Khimiya Vysokikh Energii, Vol. 39, No. 5, 2005, pp. 379–381.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Potapov, Matyuk, Trakhtenberg.     

Scaling of Shielded Sliding Discharges for Environmental Applications

Shielded sliding discharges are nanosecond streamer discharges which develop along a dielectric between metal foil electrodes, with one of the foils extended over the entire rear of the dielectric layer. The electrode configuration not only allowed rearranging discharges in parallel due to the decoupling effect of the metal layer, but also to modify the electric field distribution in such a way that components normal to the surface are enhanced, leading to an increased energy density in the discharge plasma. By varying the electrode gap, the applied voltage, and the repetition rate, it is shown that by keeping the average electric field constant, the discharge voltage can be reduced from tens of kV to values on the order of a few kV, but only at the expense of a reduced energy density of the plasma. Varying the repetition rate from 20 to 500 Hz resulted in a slightly reduced energy per pulse, likely caused by residual charges on the dielectric surface. Measurements of the NO conversion to NO₂ and ozone synthesis in dry air showed that the conversion is only dependent on the energy density of the discharge plasma. Although reducing the pulse voltage from the tens of kV range to that of few kV, and possibly even lower, causes a reduction in energy density, this loss can be compensated for by increasing the electrode gap area. This and the possibility to form discharge arrays allows generating large volume discharge reactors for environmental applications, at modest pulsed voltages.     

Influence of the Outer Electrode Material on Ozone Generation in Corona Discharges

The effect of the outer electrode material on negative corona discharge current and the process of ozone formation have been studied in coaxial cylindrical system of electrodes fed by dry oxygen. Three materials (brass, duralumin, stainless steel) were tested in experiments. The probability coefficient of ozone decomposition was found be slightly higher compared with known data. The coefficient of probability of ozone decomposition is decreasing with the time of exposition of the metal surface to mixture of oxygen and ozone. The effect of the electrode material on the current voltage characteristic of the discharge was marginal. In contrast to this at average energy density η higher than 10 J/cm³ the ozone concentration is affected by material of the outer electrode. A strong influence of the temperature of metal electrode on the probability coefficient of ozone decomposition was illustrated from the decrease of the ozone production.     

Ozone generation on the lead dioxide electrodes in a sulfuric acid solution at potentials of 2 to 3 V

The electrochemical synthesis of ozone is studied on lead dioxide electrodes in sulfuric acid solutions. The two maximums of the current efficiency for ozone (CEO) observed at 2–3.5 V are largely due to the participation of various chemisorbed particles in the ozone synthesis. In the vicinity of the first CEO maximum at lead dioxide, ozone forms only in a discharge of water molecules with the participation of adsorbed oxygen-containing radicals. In the potential range of the second maximum, the adsorbed anion radicals, e.g., ·HSO₄ and ·SO₄, also take part in the reaction of ozone generation. At the electrode not subjected to anodic polarization, CEO is considerably higher than that on the preliminarily polarized electrode. On the basis of the experimental data, schemes for the ozone evolution at PbO₂ in sulfuric acid at 2 to 3 V are proposed.     

Application of in-plasma catalysis and post-plasma catalysis for methane partial oxidation to methanol over a Fe2O3-CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst

Methane partial oxidation to methanol (MPOM) using dielectric barrier discharge over a Fe2O3-CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was performed. The multicomponent catalyst was combined with plasma in two different configurations, i.e., in-plasma catalysis (IPC) and post-plasma catalysis (PPC). It was found that the catalytic performance of the catalysts for MPOM was strongly dependent on the hybrid configuration. A better synergistic performance of plasma and catalysis was achieved in the IPC configuration, but the catalysts packed in the discharge zone showed lower stability than those connected to the discharge zone in sequence. Active species, such as ozone, atomic oxygen and methyl radicals, were produced from the plasma-catalysis process, and made a major contribution to methanol synthesis. These active species were identified by the means of in situ optical emission spectra, ozone measurement and FT-IR spectra. It was confirmed that the amount of active species in the IPC system was greater than that in the PPC system. The results of TG, XRD, and N2 adsorption-desorption revealed that carbon deposition on the spent catalyst surface was responsible for the catalyst deactivation in the IPC configuration.     

Effect of TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on Various Regions of Active Electrode on Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Air

For surface dielectric barrier discharge in air, we examined the effect of titanium dioxide on various regions of the active electrode on the electrical parameters of discharge, on its emission spectra, and for demonstration of the obtained results also on the concentration of ozone produced by the discharge. We used the active electrode in the form of nine interconnected parallel strips and a square counter electrode. The TiO₂ layer covered either only the strips, the region between the strips, or all active electrode. As reference discharge we used the discharge without any layer of TiO₂. We found that direct application potential has a version when the strips of the active electrode are covered with a layer of TiO_2, because the concentration of ozone produced by the discharge is the highest in all investigated cases. This finding could therefore be used for construction of more efficient ozone generators.     

Formation of active species in spark corona discharge at a liquid electrode

The formation of chemically active species upon a spark corona discharge on a liquid electrode at the liquid surface. Test liquids were 0.1 M and 0.005 M oxalic acid, 0.1 M KI and 3% KCl solutions, and tap water. It was found that the reaction yield due to the active species (which might include hydroxyl radicals) was substantially higher in the case of liquid electrode, depending on the electrode-liquid composition.__________Translated from Khimiya Vysokikh Energii, Vol. 39, No. 3, 2005, pp. 228–231.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Piskarev, Solovev, Karelin, Selemir, Spirov.     

Synthesis of Metallofullerenes by Electric-Arc Method with a Surface-Modified Electrode

A method for synthesis of metallofullerenes by electric-arc sputtering of graphite, in which lanthanum compounds are deposited on the surface of a graphite electrode, was suggested. The influence exerted by the amount of deposited lanthanum on the yield of lanthanum was studied.__________Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Khimii, Vol. 78, No. 4, 2005, pp. 566–571.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kuz’min, Borovkov, Kolker, Brazhyunas.     

Development of a dielectric barrier discharge ion source for ambient mass spectrometry

A new ion source based on dielectric barrier discharge was developed as an alternative ionization source for ambient mass spectrometry. The dielectric barrier discharge ionization source, termed as DBDI herein, was composed of a copper sheet electrode, a discharge electrode, and a piece of glass slide in between as dielectric barrier as well as sample plate. Stable low-temperature plasma was formed between the tip of the discharge electrode and the surface of glass slide when an alternating voltage was applied between the electrodes. Analytes deposited on the surface of the glass slide were desorbed and ionized by the plasma and the ions were introduced to the mass spectrometer for mass analysis. The capability of this new ambient ion source was demonstrated with the analysis of 20 amino acids, which were deposited on the glass slide separately. Protonated molecular ions of [M + H](+) were observed for all the amino acids except for L-arginine. This ion source was also used for a rapid discrimination of L-valine, L-proline, L-serine and L-alanine from their mixture. The limit of detection was 3.5 pmol for L-alanine using single-ion-monitoring (SIM). Relative standard deviation (RSD) was 5.78% for 17.5 nmol of L-alanine (n = 5). With the advantages of small size, simple configuration and ease operation at ambient conditions, the dielectric barrier discharge ion source would potentially be coupled to portable mass spectrometers.     

Nickel Nanoparticles Formation from Solution Plasma Using Edge-Shielded Electrode

Because of the easy massproduction, synthesis of metallic nanoparticles from a solution plasma is an attractive method. However, a solution plasma produces a highly inhomogeneous electric field via transition to full-plasma, and the products are partially oxidized and agglomerated, with a wide size-distribution. Here, we show a simple method of suppressing oxidation of products. An electrode tip was shield by a glass tube and a voltage of up to 180 V was applied with the electrolyte of 0.1 M NaOH solution. Significantly, the edge-shield was quite effective for maintaining partially glow discharge. The results were (1) surface temperature of the electrode less than 100°C, (2) main phase of metallic nickel evaluated by XRD, and (3) nanoparticles of an average size of 220 nm. These results showed the potential for an application to the production of nanoparticles.     

Catalytic activity of silica in ozone formation in electrical discharges

The catalytic action of granular silica packing on ozone formation has been observed under discharge conditions. Using a glass ozonizer with a metal high-voltage electrode, at a frequency of 400 Hz it was possible to obtain much higher ozone concentrations in the presence q( silica than without packing, with the same total energy consumption. The dependence between ozone production and energy efficiency is considered, and conditions of the optimum ozonizer run are discussed. It is shown that in the all-glass ozonizer with a narrow discharge gap, the ozone concentration may be as high as 6.5% (ca. 130g O₃/m³) when silica packing is applied.     

Performance of an Ozone Decomposition Catalyst in Hybrid Plasma Reactors for Volatile Organic Compound Removal

In order to enhance the energy efficiency of nonthermal plasma methods for volatile organic compound decomposition in a catalyst-hybrid plasma reactor, we used a Cu–Cr catalyst to dissociate ozone into active atomic oxygen species at low temperatures. We investigated the conditions necessary to obtain the synergetic effect in single-stage and two-stage combinations. The ozone decomposition catalyst was not effective for the reaction under plasma discharge in the single-stage combination. In the two-stage combination, the efficiency increased by increasing the amount of catalyst. Although the propensity of catalysts for active oxygen species formation from ozone decomposition is important for optimizing the reaction efficiency, the surface area is even more important. We conclude that ozone decomposition catalysts are more effective in the two-stage combination compared to the single-stage.     

A study on the water permeability of poly(ethylene terephthalate) track membranes modified by dc discharge polymerization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N</Emphasis>-dimethylaniline

The properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) track membranes modified by dimethylaniline polymerization in a dc discharge were studied. The influence of plasma treatment conditions on the basic membrane characteristics: the pore size, wettability, surface charge, and water permeability, were examined. It was shown that the polymer membranes obtained were capable of reversibly responding to pH and pressure changes.Translated from Khimiya Vysokikh Energii, Vol. 39, No. 2, 2005, pp. 143–152.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kravets, Gilman, Drachev.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with a corrected cover date.     

Studies on Oxidants' Generation in a Foaming Column with a Needle to Dielectric Covered Plate Electrode

The generation of oxidative products in the newly investigated foaming system was improved by a discharge between a high voltage multineedle electrode and a dielectric covered plate electrode. A uniformity of the discharge was observed. The presence of alumina dielectric seems to be responsible of the homogenous spatial distribution of the discharge. The absolute power and energy of the discharge was determined. Besides, in larger gap space the foam quality was improved.This way of oxidant's generation, which might be prospective for the treatment of exhaust gas and wastewater, has not been investigated by the other researchers' groups as yet. During the laboratory test 875 ppm of gaseous ozone, 0.5 mg/l of dissolved ozone and 62 mg/l of hydrogen peroxide was obtained at 14 kV of applied voltage and 5 l/min of oxygen gas flow in the present configuration used for the discharge generation. The average yield of gaseous ozone production ranged 55 gO₃/kWh.     

Silver Loading on DBD Plasma-Modified Woven PET Surface for Antimicrobial Property Improvement

In this work, the hydrophilic improvement of a woven PET surface was accomplished by a plasma technique. The woven PET surface was plasma-treated by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) under various operating conditions (electrode gap distance, plasma treatment time, input voltage, and input frequency) and various gaseous environments (air, O₂, N₂, and Ar) in order to improve its hydrophilicity. It was experimentally found that a decrease in electrode gap distance and an increase in input voltage increased the electric field strength, leading to higher hydrophilicity of the PET surface characterized by wickability and contact angle measurements. In comparisons among the studied environmental gases, air gave the highest hydrophilicity, being comparable to O₂, while Ar and N₂ gave lower hydrophilicity of the woven PET surface. The optimum conditions for a maximum hydrophilicity of the PET surface were an electrode gap distance of 4 mm, a plasma treatment time of 10 s, an output voltage of 15 kV, and a frequency of 350 Hz under air environment. After the plasma treatment under the obtained optimum conditions, the woven PET was loaded with Ag particles using a AgNO₃ aqueous solution in order to obtain the antimicrobial property. The plasma-treated woven PET loaded with Ag particles exhibited good antimicrobial activity against both E. coli (gram-negative bacteria) and S. aureus (gram-positive bacteria).     

Enhanced degradation of organic pollutant 4-chlorophenol in water by non-thermal plasma process with TiO2

The combined application of TiO₂ photocatalyst and pulsed high-voltage electrical discharge process for the degradation of organic pollutant parachlorophenol (4-CP) in aqueous solution was tentatively investigated. The optimum conditions for 4-CP removal were applied voltage at 14 kV, electrode distance at 2 cm, pH at 6.5 (close to neutral solution), TiO₂ concentration at 50 mg/L, gas source O₂ at 100 L/h, and hybrid corona-streamer discharge mode. Introduced TiO₂ into pulsed discharge plasma process under such optimum condition, the rate constant of 4-CP degradation (k _cp) was greatly promoted, from 1.56×10⁻³ to 2.81×10⁻³ s⁻¹, and energy efficiency for 4-CP removal was greatly enhanced by approximately one time, and it was attributed to more amounts of chemically active species (e.g., ozone and hydrogen peroxide, especially hydroxyl radicals) produced in pulsed discharge plasma process in combination with TiO₂ photocatalyst.     

Low Cost Compact Nanosecond Pulsed Plasma System for Environmental and Biomedical Applications

Nanosecond pulsed non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasmas are promising for numerous applications including air and water purification, ozone synthesis, surface sterilization, material processing, and biomedical care. However, the high cost of the nanosecond pulsed power sources has hindered adaptation of the plasma-based technologies for clinical and industrial use. This paper presents a low cost (<100US$) nanosecond pulsed plasma system that consists of a Cockcroft–Walton high voltage charging circuit, a compact nanosecond pulse generator using a spark gap as switch, and a plasma reactor. The nanosecond pulse power source requires only a 12 V DC input, hence is battery operable. Through the optimization of the experimental parameters, pulses with a peak voltage >10 kV, a 3 ns rise time (10 to 90 %), and a 10 ns pulse duration (full width at half maximum) at a pulse repetition rate of up to 500 Hz were achieved in the present study. It has been successfully tested to power three different plasma reactors to form pulsed corona discharges, dielectric barrier discharges, and sliding discharges. The energy efficiency of such a nanosecond pulsed sliding discharge system was assessed in the context of ozone synthesis using air or oxygen as the feed gas, and was found comparable to a previously reported non-thermal plasma system that used commercial high voltage pulsed power sources. This study demonstrated that this low-cost nanosecond pulsed power source can prove to be an energy efficient and simple supply to drive various non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma reactors for environmental, medical and other applications.     

Measurement of Ozone Production in Non-thermal Plasma Actuator Using Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge

Plasma actuators for flow control are intensively studied, but the production of ozone by the surface dielectric barrier discharge used in the actuators has never been quantified. Since ozone is harmful to human health, it is important to quantify its production for an application of this type of actuator on a land vehicle. This paper describes an experimental study to measure the concentration of ozone produced by an actuator with different parameters: amplitude and frequency of the applied high voltage, and the electrode configuration (shape, spacing and length). The results show that, under our experimental conditions, the production of ozone is directly proportional to the power dissipation. The production rate was measured at 21 g/kWh. Although the rate is much lower than that of an industrial ozonizer, it is still far from being negligible and should be taken into account for the future application of these actuators.