Non-thermal plasma for diesel exhaust treatment

The review of application of non-thermal plasma technique to treat diesel exhaust is presented. The nanosecond corona discharge, dielectric barrier discharge and surface discharges are produced directly in gas. The formation of active particles is generated by electron impact with main components. The conversion NO initiated by discharges in different gas composition has been modeled and studied. The hydrocarbons lower the electrical energy cost for oxidation of NO to NO2. In plasma selective catalytic reduction system the surface reactions are considered. Carbon monoxide and aldehydes are produced in plasma. Plasma catalyses systems operate by oxidation of NO to NO2 in the plasma followed by reduction of NO2 by reaction with NH3 or with partially oxidized hydrocarbons during passage over the catalyst. Non-thermal plasma reactor can effect the oxidation of PM in diesel exhaust at low temperature. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.