The Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Dissociation Using a Single-Mode Microwave Plasma Generator

Abstract

This paper focuses on the dissociation of carbon dioxide (CO2) following the absorption processes of microwave radiation by noncontact metal wire (tungsten). Using a microwave plasma generator (MPG) with a single-mode cavity, we conducted an interaction of microwaves with a noncontact electrode in a CO2 atmosphere. High energy levels of electromagnetic radiation are generated in the focal point of the MPG’s cylindrical cavity. The metal wires are vaporized and ionized from this area, subsequently affecting the dissociation of CO2. The CO2 dissociation is highlighted through plasma characterization and carbon monoxide (CO) quantity determination. For plasma characterization, we used an optical emission spectroscopy method (OES), and for CO quantity determination, we used a gas analyzer instrument. Using an MPG in the CO2 atmosphere, we obtained a high electron temperature of the plasma and a strong dissociation of CO2. After 20 s of the interaction between microwaves and noncontact electrodes, the quantity of CO increased from 3 ppm to 1377 ppm (0.13% CO). This method can be used in space applications to dissociate CO2 and refresh the atmosphere of closed spaces.

A New Method for Tungsten Oxide Nanopowder Deposition on Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites for X-ray Attenuation

“…If a CFRP substrate or other material is placed inside the waveguide above the zone where the plasma is generated (Figure 3), the metal oxide vapors will also be deposited on that substrate (Figure 4). If the microwave discharge is performed in a gas containing oxygen such as CO 2 [22] or air [23], metal oxide nanoparticles are formed. If a CFRP substrate or other material is placed inside the waveguide above the zone where the plasma is generated (Figure 3), the metal oxide vapors will also be deposited on that substrate (Figure 4).…”

The assessment of the atmospheric air breakdown voltage generated by the interaction between microwaves and metallic wires

“…The results highlighted that when plasma was generated, the metallic wire was vaporized and ionized and CO 2 molecules were dissociated [9].…”

Splitting CO2 in Intense Pulsed Plasma Jets

“…Carbon dioxide was also split by high-energy laser beams [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], and dissociation at high temperatures [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ] in a plasma torch [ 34 ] generated a plasma with a fairly low density (10 13 particles cm −3 ). Alternative solutions from the field of plasmas include gliding arc discharge reactors [ 35 , 36 ], glow discharges [ 37 ], microwave discharges [ 38 , 39 ], and inductively-coupled radiofrequency plasma [ 40 ].…”