Characteristics of N2O Decomposition by Atmospheric Non-Equilibrium Plasma

Fundamental characteristics of N2O decomposition by atmospheric non-equilibrium plasma were investigated to reduce greenhouse effects. N2O/O2/Ar system and N2O/O2/N2 system were prepared to understand quantitatively the effects of plasma conditions (applied voltages and its repetition rates), O2 concentrations, and gas flow rate on N2O decomposition. In N2O/O2/Ar system, an N2O concentration of 40 ppm was completely decomposed by the plasma at O2 = 0%, however N2O decomposition was decreased with an increase in O2 concentrations. Unfortunately, N2O/O2/N2 system, N2O was formed by excess N2 and O2. Formation and decomposition mechanisms of N2O were experimentally discussed. It is likely that N2 + O → N2O is a dominant reaction under N2O/O2/N2 system.