Abstract
Plasma-based nitrogen fixation into NO and NO2 for fertilizer production is very promising, due to its compatibility with renewable electricity and de-centralized operation. Despite these advantages, the process has not yet reached its full potential, due to high energy costs. Vibrational-translational (VT) non-equilibrium is key for reducing the energy cost. In this project, a novel type of plasma will be developed by applying pulsed voltage on top of a continuous DC plasma, to create a strong VT non-equilibrium plasma at atmospheric pressure. This hybrid DC-pulsed plasma will tailor the electron energy to selectively excite the vibrational levels of N2. To gain the necessary insights, a DC plasma and pulsed plasma will first be separately, studied including the effects of vortex flow and post-plasma quenching, before combining them into this novel concept. The experiments will be guided by developing the very first fully coupled and predictive computational fluid dynamics model, validated in a wide range of conditions and with cutting-edge laser diagnostics. The ultimate aim of this project is to experimentally achieve, for the very first time, the long-hypothesized idea that VT non-equilibrium can reduce the energy cost of plasma-based NOx production by an order of magnitude, making it fully industrially viable. This research will have a direct impact on the transition to a sustainable economy, by avoiding large amounts of CO2 emission for fertilizer production.
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