Low-temperature hydrogen oxidation over Pd and Pt in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor: Plasma-assisted and post-plasma catalytic behaviour

Hydrogen oxidation (H₂ + ½O₂ → H₂O) is a key reaction in clean energy conversion and emissions mitigation. This study examines low-temperature H₂ oxidation over Pt and Pd catalysts driven by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. The non-thermal plasma generated reactive oxygen species enable the complete conversion of hydrogen below the ignition temperature at only 12–13 W of applied plasma power. Both catalysts achieved full conversion; however, Pd exhibited stronger plasma surface coupling and a higher exothermic response, with outlet temperatures exceeding 320 °C. Minor N₂O formation was observed exclusively under plasma conditions, confirming limited air-plasma nitrogen activation. The results demonstrate that plasma-assisted catalytic oxidation (PACO) offers a highly energy efficient and environmentally compatible route for hydrogen elimination, highlighting its potential in clean combustion control, hydrogen leak mitigation, and sustainable energy applications.