Non-thermal plasma synthesis of organic feedstock from carbon dioxide and nitrogen

dc.contributor.advisorBeatty, John
dc.contributor.committeeMemberMirsaleh-Kohan, Nasrin
dc.contributor.committeeMemberSalazar, Gustavo
dc.creatorMcNeill, Alice 1999-
dc.date.accessioned2024-06-10T14:21:01Z
dc.date.available2024-06-10T14:21:01Z
dc.date.created2024-05
dc.date.issued2024-05
dc.date.submittedMay 2024
dc.date.updated2024-06-10T14:21:03Z
dc.description.abstractThe concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing at a rate that poses harm to the environment, with the full extent of consequences unexplored. The rising population and increasing burning of fossil fuels over the past centuries is draining natural resources while contributing to deteriorating air quality. Exploration of alternative energy generation is ongoing, although increasing levels of CO2 remain in the atmosphere until reacted or extracted. Plasma, an ionized gas considered the fourth state of matter, is examined in this research as a method of reacting CO2 and N2 to produce carbon and nitrogen-based products of intrinsic value. A custom non-thermal plasma system was designed using a high voltage power supply, chemical-resistant tubing, brass supports, and a grounding system. The conductive materials copper and tungsten were tested to determine plasma activation capability, the ability to maintain stable plasma, and the lifetime of the metals. There are several advantages to the system designed in this research, the primary being that a CO2 reduction of 33% was achieved. In addition, the lifetime and reusability of all materials was considered as to meet Green Chemistry project aims. Using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Residual Gas Analysis with Mass Spectrometry (RGA-MS), the products from a CO2 plasma include carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen (O2). Trials with a CO2 and nitrogen (N2) plasma suggest that production of nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), CO and O2 is possible. Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were utilized to characterize the electrode conditions.
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.uri
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/11274/16214
dc.language.isoEnglish
dc.subjectPhysics, Fluid and Plasma Chemistry
dc.subject.othercarbon dioxide
dc.subject.otherplasma
dc.titleNon-thermal plasma synthesis of organic feedstock from carbon dioxide and nitrogen
dc.typeThesis
dc.type.materialtext
thesis.degree.collegeCollege of Arts and Sciences
thesis.degree.departmentSchool of the Sciences
thesis.degree.disciplineChemistry
thesis.degree.grantorTexas Woman's University
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science
thesis.degree.programACS 3rd edition

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