Organic Chemistry of NH3 and HCN Induced by an Atmospheric Abnormal Glow Discharge in N2-CH4 Mixtures

journal article - other

English

The formation of products produced in an atmospheric glow discharge fed by a N2-CH4 gas mixture with CH4 content in range from 0.5% to 2% CH4 has been studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and optical emission (OES) spectrometry. The measurements were carried out in flowing regime at ambient temperature and pressure. In the emission spectra the lines of CN-violet/red system, second positive system and first negative system of N2 have been the most intensive, the atomic H-alpha, H-beta, and C (247 nm) lines were recorded, too. According to the FTIR-measurements, HCN and NH3 have been found to be the major products with traces of C2H2, which are believed to be the precursors of heavier organic species. 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 and hence assist in the interpretation of results from the Cassini Huygens space mission.

Abnormal glow discharge, Titan atmosphere, optical emission spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy

HORVÁTH, G.; KRČMA, F.; POLÁCHOVÁ, L.; KLOHNOVÁ, K.; MASON, N.; ZÁHORAN, M.; MATĚJČÍK, Š.

2011

31. 1. 2011

1286-0042

EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL-APPLIED PHYSICS

53

1

French Republic

11001-1

11001-10

10