Initial rate of decomposition of CO2 in volume discharges: An experimental study

Abstract

Quantitative data on the plasma and chemical changes in a pulsed glow discharge in CO2 have been obtained using a geometrically stable, chemically inert discharge cell. With resistively-ballasted electrodes it was possible to achieve uniform glow discharges over a relatively large range of pressure and the yield of decomposition products was measured as a function of energy deposited at various initial charging voltages. These experimental results were compared to those predicted by numerical solution of the Boltzmann transport equation by integrating a derived yeild per unit energy, Y (E/N), over the duration of the excitation pulse. Good agreement between experiment and theory was obtained for pressures over 400 Torr but significant deviations were noted at lower pressures.