Organic chemistry of NH₃and HCN induced by an atmospheric abnormal glow discharge in N₂-CH₄mixtures

Abstract

Abstract. The formation of the chemical products produced in an atmospheric glow discharge fed by a N2-CH4 gas mixture has been studied using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) and Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES). The measurements were carried out in a flowing regime at ambient temperature and pressure with CH4 concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 2%. In the recorded emission spectra the lines of the second positive system CN system and the first negative system of N2 were found to be the most intensive but atomic H α , H β , and C (247 nm) lines were also observed. FTIR-measurements revealed HCN and NH3 to be the major products of the plasma with traces of C2H2. These same molecules have been detected in Titan's atmosphere and the present experiments may provide some novel insights into the chemical and physical mechanisms prevalent in Titan's atmosphere with these smaller species believed to be the precursors of heavier organic species in Titan's atmosphere and on its surface.

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“…Small amounts of hydrocarbons in the form of acetylene, ethylene, propyne, propene, 2-butene and cyclohexadiene were detected. Observation of these species is in agreement with our previous experiments as well as other publications [3,24].…”

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