GC-MS and GC-FID Analysis of Products from Glow Discharge in N2 + CH4 Mixture

Abstract

This work extends our previous investigation of nitrogen-methane atmospheric glow discharge for the simulation of chemical processes in prebiotic atmospheres. Also reactions on surfaces of solid state bodies can be important. So in presented experiments the electrodes with different shapes and different surface areas were used. Exhaust products of discharge in this gas mixture were analyzed by Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID). The major products identified in chromatograms were hydrogen cyanide and acetylene.