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arXiv · 2312.05075

Dual-comb Spectroscopy of Ammonia Formation in Non-thermal Plasmas

Ibrahim Sadiek·Adam J. Fleisher·Jakob Hayden·Xinyi Huang·Andreas Hugi·Richard Engeln·Norbert Lang·Jean-Pierre H. van Helden
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Abstract

Plasma-activated chemical transformations promise the efficient synthesis of salient chemical products. However, the reaction pathways that lead to desirable products are often unknown, and key quantum-state-resolved information regarding the involved molecular species is lacking. Here we use quantum cascade laser dual-comb spectroscopy (QCL-DCS) to probe plasma-activated NH$_3$ generation with rotational and vibrational state resolution, quantifying state-specific number densities via broadband spectral analysis. The measurements reveal unique translational, rotational and vibrational temperatures for NH$_3$ products, indicative of a highly reactive, non-thermal environment. Ultimately, we postulate on the energy transfer mechanisms that explain trends in temperatures and number densities observed for NH$_3$ generated in low-pressure nitrogen-hydrogen (N$_2$-H$_2$) plasmas.

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Ibrahim Sadiek, Adam J. Fleisher, Jakob Hayden, Xinyi Huang, Andreas Hugi, Richard Engeln, Norbert Lang, Jean-Pierre H. van Helden. 2023-12-08. Dual-comb Spectroscopy of Ammonia Formation in Non-thermal Plasmas. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-024-01190-7

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