Fundamental Limits on NOx Reduction by Plasma

This paper discusses the gas-phase reaction mechanisms for removal of NO_x in a plasma. The effect of oxygen content on the competition between the reduction and oxidation processes is discussed. The effect of the electron kinetic energy distribution on the radical production and subsequent chemistry is then discussed in order to predict the best performance that can be achieved for NO_x reduction using the plasma alone. The fundamental limit on the minimum electrical energy consumption that will be required to implement NO_x reduction in any type of plasma reactor is established.