Numerical analysis of nitrogen fixation by nanosecond pulse plasma

Abstract Nonthermal plasma (NTP) provides a novel approach to developing renewable and efficient nitrogen fixation (NF) technology. However, the efficiency optimization of NTP-assisted NF (NTP-NF) remains challenging due to the elusive ultra-fast plasma process, especially in packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge (PB-DBD). Our work presents a unique view on how to optimize the efficiency of NTP-NF based on precise studies of plasma dynamics and chemistry by developing a novel nanosecond pulse driving PB-DBD model. 2D plasma dynamics show that the plasma propagates in the form of surface ionization waves coupled with filamentary micro-discharge. Electron heating by high instantaneously applied power determines the development of ionization waves and NO production. Plasma chemistry shows that selectively enhancing the energy of electronically excited dissociation to produce N * is the most efficient way to increase the production of NO.