# Boosting the NOx production in microwave air plasma: A synergy of chemistry and vibrational kinetics Source: [Boosting the NOx production in microwave air plasma: A synergy of chemistry and vibrational kinetics]() Collection index: [llms.txt]() Data updated: 2025-10-25T08:00:44.461Z Authors: Qinghao Shen, Aleksandr Pikalev, Jonas Gans, Lex Kuijpers, Ashley Hughes, Vasco Guerra, M.C.M van de Sanden Published: 2025-07-03T16:57:22.000Z ## Abstract This study employs a quasi-1.5D multi-temperature model to investigate the mechanisms governing NOx production and energy costs in microwave plasma reactors operating at 80 mbar, focusing on the interplay of vibrational, chemical and electron kinetics, thermodynamics, and transport processes across the discharge and afterglow. In the plasma discharge zone, non-thermal processes enhance NOx production as electrons transfer energy effectively to the vibrational mode of N2. However, the non-thermal enhancement is found to diminish rapidly within the central-afterglow region. The simulation results show good agreement with experimental data for both the temperature profile and energy cost. Turbulent effects facilitate radial NO diffusion into cooler regions while simultaneously enhancing cooling of the axial region. These findings highlight the potential to improve NOx synthesis efficiency by optimizing turbulence and maintaining non-thermal conditions, offering new opportunities for the advancement of plasma-based chemical processes. ## Recorded benchmark results A research result applies to its stated dataset, split, metric and evaluation configuration. Compare like-for-like settings, preserve the metric's unit and direction, and distinguish paper-reported results from independent reproduction. The best result recorded here is not a claim of exhaustive, current global coverage. ## Original sources and implementation [Original paper]() [PDF]()