Organic chemistry of NH₃ and HCN induced by an atmospheric abnormal glow discharge in N₂-CH₄ mixtures

Horvath, G.; Krcma, F.; Polachova, L.; Klohnova, K.; Mason, N. J.; Zahoran, M. and Matejcik, S. (2011). Organic chemistry of NH₃ and HCN induced by an atmospheric abnormal glow discharge in N₂-CH₄ mixtures. The European Physical Journal - Applied Physics, 53(11001)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap/2010100191

Abstract

The formation of the chemical products produced in an atmospheric glow discharge fed by a N₂-CH₄ gas mixture has been studied using Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) and Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES). The measurements were carried out in a flowing regime at ambient temperature and pressure with CH₄ concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 2%. In the recorded emission spectra the lines of the second positive system CN system and the first negative system of N₂ were found to be the most intensive but atomic Hα, H^β, and C (247 nm) lines were also observed. FTIR-measurements revealed HCN and NH₃ to be the major products of the plasma with traces of C₂H₂. These same molecules have been detected in Titan's atmosphere and the present experiments may provide some novel insights into the chemical and physical mechanisms prevalent in Titan's atmosphere with these smaller species believed to be the precursors of heavier organic species in Titan's atmosphere and on its surface.

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