Nitrogen oxide decomposition by barrier discharge

Experiments were conducted in a benchtop apparatus and a process developmen t unit. The parameters investigated included applied voltage, frequency, pa cking, the chemical composition of the gas stream, and flow conditions in t he barrier discharge reactor. Experimental results showed that conversion o f nitric oxide increased to greater than 85% as the peak voltage was increa sed 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 lead ing 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 c arbon 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 m ay be technically and economically feasible.