Flow and magnetic-driven rotating gliding arc reactors for enhanced nitrogen fixation

Abstract

A rotating gliding arc (RGA) device driven by synergistic flow and magnetic fields was developed for enhanced nitrogen fixation. The effects of flow field distribution, magnetic field intensity, and N₂/O₂ ratio on fixation performance were investigated. A uniform tangential inlet improved arc stability, suppressed reverse breakdown, and extended the operating range of the RGA, resulting in the highest fixation efficiency. At an air flow rate of 3 L∙min^–1, the device achieved an NO_x concentration of 7623 ppm in the effluent, with an energy cost as low as 3.6 MJ·mol^–1. This configuration also enhanced plasma non-equilibrium, promoting nitrogen excitation and reactive species generation. Increasing magnetic field strength improved efficiency up to 200 mT, beyond which gains plateaued. An N₂/O₂ ratio of 6:4 yielded optimal nitrogen excitation and fixation performance.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

rotating gliding arc / nitrogen fixation / plasma non-equilibrium / magnetic field / flow field distribution

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