UC Merced

Environment applications of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) for irrigation water enrichment and dry methane reforming were studied. The treatment of distilled water with varying amounts of dissolved sodium bicarbonate (representing alkalinity) is considered using an atmospheric pressure electrical discharge. The electrical discharge interaction with water is shown to lead to a decrease in pH and an increase in nitrate concentration due to the injection of nitrogen dioxide. The pH variation with time is shown to be similar to a titration curve for acid-base neutralization with final pH values around 3 for 22 minutes of treatment.

Plasma-assisted biogas conversion was studied and primary results were demonstrated. As in the plasma-assisted water treatment application, a unique and specific atmospheric pressure DBD was designed and built. The DBD went through a few modifications for the purpose of improving the conversion of methane to hydrogen.