Energy Considerations for Plasma-Assisted N-Fixation Reactions

Abstract

In a time of increasing concerns about the immense energy consumption and poor environmental performance of contemporary processes in the chemical industry, there is great need to develop novel sustainable technologies that enhance energy efficiency. There is abundant chemical literature on process innovations (laboratory-scale) around the plasma reactor itself, which, naturally, is the essential part to be intensified to achieve a satisfactory process. In essence, a plasma process needs attention beyond reaction engineering towards the process integration side and also with strong electrical engineering focus. In this mini-review, we have detailed our future focus on the process and energy intensification of plasma-based N-fixation. Three focal points are mainly stressed throughout the review: (I) the integration of renewable energy; (II) the power supply system of plasma reactors and (III) process design of industrial plasma-assisted nitrogen fixation. These different enabling strategies will be set in a holistic and synergetic picture so as to improve process performance.

Atmospheric-pressure diffuse dielectric barrier discharges in Ar/O2gas mixture using 200 kHz/13.56 MHz dual frequency excitation

“…Furthermore, the DF discharge can also bring a substantial advantage in the plasma-assisted gas phase chemical conversion in which high energy efficiency and high conversion efficiency are needed [55,56]. This includes CO 2 decomposition into CO and O 2 in CO 2 -neutral energetics cycle [56], methane conversion [57], nitrogen fixation [58], hazardous waste gases reduction Figure 14. Detailed phase resolved electron impact excitation and corresponding gas voltage, LF discharge current and integrated excitation rate of (a) phase (1), (b) phase (2), and (c) phase (3) in figure 13.…”

Sustainability lessons from practice: how flow intensification can trigger sustainability and modular plant technology in EU projects

“…[67] Pivotal to achieving this are integrating renewable energy into the process, proper reactor and process design, and importantly, ensuring proper, advanced energy introduction into the reactor via the power generator. [66] Regarding the last aspect, the principle of impedance matching has been reported to improve the electrical performance of the plasma reactor and power generator, and will be applied and tested in the MAPSYN project. Moreover, integrating wind and solar energy into the system will lead to a better environmental profile for both (NH 3 and NO x ) manufacturing process.…”

“…[65] On the other hand, the NO x production process is reported to be quite energy efficient, but still presents energy-saving potential. [66] Within the MAPSYN project, the potential of plasma technology for these reactions is being investigated, and to a large extent, focusses on their energy considerations, because commercial plasma operation depends greatly on achieving better energy efficiency. [67] Pivotal to achieving this are integrating renewable energy into the process, proper reactor and process design, and importantly, ensuring proper, advanced energy introduction into the reactor via the power generator.…”

Special Issue: Design and Engineering of Microreactor and Smart-Scaled Flow Processes

“…The third review by Anastasopoulou et al addresses the energy considerations of N-fixation reactions in non-thermal plasma microreactors [3]. There are three main factors from the process design viewpoint which are delineated and stressed for the plasma-assisted nitric acid and ammonia processes: (a) the incorporation of renewable energy sources (b) the electricity consumption of the plasma reactors and (c) the overall energy performance of the process beyond the concept of the plasma reactors.…”