Conversion of NO with a catalytic packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge reactor

This paper discusses the conversion of nitric oxide (NO) with a low-temperature plasma induced by a catalytic packed-bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor. Alumina oxide (Al₂O₃), glass (SiO₂) and zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), three different spherical packed materials of the same size, were each present in the DBD reactor. The NO conversion under varying input voltage and specific energy density, and the effects of catalysts (titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and manganese oxide (MnOx) coated on Al₂O₃) on NO conversion were investigated. The experimental results showed that NO conversion was greatly enhanced in the presence of packed materials in the reactor, and the catalytic packed bed of MnOx/Al₂O₃ showed better performance than that of TiO₂/Al₂O₃. The surface and crystal structures of the materials and catalysts were characterized through scanning electron microscopy analysis. The final products were clearly observed by a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and provided a better understanding of NO conversion.