Effect of Reactor Structure in DBD for Nonthermal Plasma Processing of NO in N2 at Ambient Temperature

Abstract

In order to improve dielectric barrier discharge reactor structure, an experimental study was carried out into its effect on nitric oxide (NO) removal. Different structures were distinguished by electrode connection, diameter, material and shape of inner electrode, and dielectric material, respectively. The results show that breakdown voltage is lower when a high voltage is applied to the outer electrode in the coaxial reactor; NO removal efficiency decreases with a smaller inner electrode diameter and increases when tungsten is used as the inner electrode material rather than copper or stainless steel. When the inner electrode is screw shaped, it improves the discharge power and NO removal efficiency. A similar higher NO removal efficiency is found when corundum is used as the dielectric material instead of ceramic or quartz. Therefore, these findings should become the basis for modifications to the electrode structure in order to improve NO removal efficiency.