Plasma-Catalytic Ammonia Synthesis beyond the Equilibrium Limit

• DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c00684
• Publication Date: 2020-05-18T18:47:00Z
• Authors: Prateek Mehta; Patrick M. Barboun; Yannick Engelmann; David B. Go; Annemie Bogaerts; William F. Schneider; Jason C. Hicks
• Keywords: Thermal equilibrium; Ammonia production; Nonthermal plasma; Chemical equilibrium; Reaction rate

We explore the consequences of nonthermal plasma-activation on product yields in catalytic ammonia synthesis, a reaction that is equilibrium-limited at elevated temperatures. employ minimal microkinetic model incorporates influence N2 dissociation rates to predict NH3 into and across regime. are predicted exceed bulk thermodynamic equilibrium limits materials thermal-rate-limited by dissociation. In all cases, revert temperatures which thermal plasma-activated ones. Beyond-equilibrium observed packed bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor exhibit sensitivity material choice way consistent with predictions. The approach results highlight opportunity exploit synergies between plasmas catalysts affect transformations conditions inaccessible through routes.