Coordination effect in generating plasma by gliding arc-microwave hybrid discharge in atmospheric-pressure air

Abstract

A type of gas discharge, defined as a gliding arc-microwave hybrid discharge (also called microwave-enhanced gliding arc discharge or gliding arc-assisted microwave discharge), is proposed, and its coordination effects for generating plasma are experimentally investigated. The gliding arc acts as an igniter for generating and maintaining the microwave plasma at atmospheric pressure, while the microwave has a certain effect on expanding the gliding arc plasma. The increase in voltage and power observed in the microwave-enhanced gliding arc discharge indicates expansion of length and bulk of the plasma flame, which has a positive effect on the residence time and immersion of reactants in the plasma. The presented hybrid discharge can be applied to different fields such as chemical synthesis, surface treatment, and fuel reforming, as it can generate efficient quasi-thermal plasma with reaction selectivity.