Author: Nazli Turan

Plasma catalysis is an improved conversion of the input gas flow by employing plasma and catalytic process. The applied electric field turns the gas into a conductor indicating the formation of plasma state with free electrons, excited molecules, and ions. The resulting low temperature, non-equilibrium plasma with energetic electrons interacts with the catalytic surface. Plasma-catalyst combination has a surplus effect, called synergy. Due to the synergistic effects of plasma catalysis, it has many applications including the destruction of volatile organic compounds, the production of fertilizers, the synthesis of value-added chemicals and the conversion of greenhouse gases.  Many studies in the literature have presented an outstanding enhancement in the process of conversion. However, due to the multifaceted interaction between plasma and catalyst, the understanding of the fundamental mechanism is missing. In this study, we will focus on basic molecular interactions (e.g., adsorption, desorption) at the plasma-catalyst interface. The key outcome of this research will be the development of a novel reaction chamber in FTIR to investigate the interactions at the molecular level. The in situ FTIR studies will show how plasma species cooperate with catalyst and how those mechanisms are implemented to produce the desired products.

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