Nitrogen oxide decomposition by barrier discharge

Experiments were conducted in a benchtop apparatus and a process development unit. The parameters investigated included applied voltage, frequency, packing, the chemical composition of the gas stream, and flow conditions in the barrier discharge reactor. Experimental results showed that conversion of nitric oxide increased to greater than 85% as the peak voltage was increased from 7 to 15 kV. Similarly, conversion increased to greater than 95% as frequency was increased from 60 to 1000 Hz. Products of the reactions leading to nitric oxide destruction were nonpolluting nitrogen and oxygen when a dry mixture of NO and N-2 was used as inlet gas. Addition of oxygen and carbon dioxide lowered the NOx conversion. Nitric acid was produced when the gas stream contained water vapor. Results of this work have the potential to establish the foundation for a nitrogen oxides control technology that may be technically and economically feasible.