Cation-dependent discharge and impedance behavior in dual liquid electrode plasma systems for ozone generation

Abstract Liquid–electrode dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) systems offer unique opportunities to tune plasma behavior through ion-specific electrolyte effects. In this work, we investigate the influence of Group I chloride solutions (LiCl, NaCl, KCl, CsCl) on ozone generation in a dual-liquid–electrode DBD reactor, focusing on how ionic conductivity and discharge frequency jointly control discharge dynamics and energy transfer. By integrating Lissajous charge-voltage analysis, optical emission spectroscopy, and time-resolved ICCD imaging, we reveal that ion mobility and hydration characteristics govern interfacial polarization, filament formation, and effective dielectric capacitance. CsCl-based electrolytes, characterized by high mobility and low interfacial impedance, achieve ozone concentrations up to 6200 ppm and energy efficiencies exceeding 450 g kWh° −1 . In contrast, LiCl demonstrates improved performance at low conductivity due to enhanced charge storage from strong hydration. These results highlight the critical role of ionic-scale properties in shaping discharge regimes and energy coupling in plasma-electrolyte systems, offering insights for the design of efficient DBD-based ozone reactors.