Application of nonthermal plasma to chemical reactions

Applicability of nonthermal plasma (NTP) to chemical reactions such as removal of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), hydrogen production from small molecules, and hydrocarbon reforming is discussed on the basis of NTP-generating methods, the physicochemical nature of NTP, the reaction behavior of N-2, O-2, volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen oxides, and synergistic effects of NTP and catalysts/photocatalysts. Plasma-generating methods greatly affect the mean electron temperature and the distribution of active species formed in NTP. Hybridization of NTP with catalysts/photocatalysts is mandatory to increase the energy efficiency of the reaction system. Issues for practical application of NTP is discussed, using HAPs control as an example. The results of the authors' feasibility study indicate that the scale-up merit of the NTP reactor depends on the plasma-generating method.