Gas-Phase Removal of Nitric Oxide from Gas Streams Via Dielectric Barrier Discharges

The removal of NO from gas streams using a plasma generated by dielectric barrier discharges is investigated experimentally. NO removal efficiencies of >95% are achieved. The removal efficiency of NO is measured as a function of NO, O₂, CO₂, and H₂O_g concentrations, as well as temperature of the gas stream. Removal of NO decreases under dry conditions with increasing O₂ concentration at -24 °C due to plasma oxidation of N₂. At elevated temperatures, increasing H₂O_g concentration and decreasing CO₂ concentration result in increasing NO removal efficiencies. NO removal increases with increasing H₂O_g concentration due to the increase in production of OH. CO₂ causes a decrease in the amount of energy deposited into the gas stream, resulting in lower NO removal efficiencies. The overall results suggest that dielectric barrier discharges have the potential as an alternative to existing postcombustion technology for the removal of NO from gas streams.