Spectroscopic of Radicals Formed and Nitrate Production by Contact Glow Discharge Air Plasma Electrolysis

Abstract

This research’s aims to determine the hydroxyl radicals formed and the production of liquid nitrate in the nitrate synthesis process using plasma electrolysis. Nitrate synthesis has been carried out by various methods including Haber Bosch nitrogen fixation. The synthesis of Haber Bosch nitrate actually causes high gas emissions and is not environmentally friendly. This has led to the synthesis of nitrate which does not cause emissions and is environmentally friendly, namely by plasma electrolysis. The methodology used in plasma electrolysis to produce liquid nitrate fertilizer, by injecting air into the tungsten anode and K2SO4 electrolyte. The hydroxyl analysis formed was carried out by looking at the IR spectrum measured using FTIR spectroscopy at an absorption band of 500 cm−1 to 4000 cm−1. Analysis of the nitrates formed was carried out using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The results obtained were that at t = 10 minutes OH and NH3 radicals were formed at a wavelength of 3331.47 cm-1 and 1634.63 cm-1. The nitrate produced at 0.02 M K2SO4 with an airflow rate of 0.2 lpm resulted in an optimal nitrate of 269.12 ppm with an energy consumption of 82.95 kJ/mmol and a yield of 21.7% mol.