Nonthermal-Plasma Reactions of Dilute Nitrogen Oxide Mixtures:  NOx-in-Argon and NOx + CO-in-Argon

Analysis of conversion mechanisms for NO and N 2 O in Ar plasma suggests that NO is converted through the reaction Ar + + NO + e - → Ar + N + O, whereas N 2 O is converted through the reaction Ar + + N 2 O + e - → Ar + N 2 + O. A time-averaged lumped model developed on the basis of this analysis matches the experimental data. CO inhibits N 2 O conversion but not NO conversion. However, parts-per-million levels of CO affect neither N 2 O nor NO conversion. Compared to N 2 plasma, which produces a weak streamer glow discharge and a small temperature increase along the reactor, Ar plasma produces a strong streamer discharge and a small temperature decrease along the reactor.