Efficient modeling of atmospheric pressure surface micro-discharge plasma chemistry

Abstract

A key challenge in modeling atmospheric pressure plasma chemistry is to incorporate a wide range of time and length scales. Electron and ion dynamics often evolve over shorter time scales and smaller length scales than reactive neutral species, so to speed calculations, models often decouple charged and neutral species dynamics using various iteration schemes. However, improper decoupling can lead to inaccuracies since neutral species can affect charged species and vice versa. In this communication, we demonstrate that certain ion–neutral reactions can significantly alter reactive species densities in models of surface micro-discharges in humid air.