A highly effective N2 fixation method based on reverse vortex flow gliding arc plasma under water

A gliding arc plasma has the advantages of strong reactivity, high energy density, and easy scale-up, so it is very competitive in the field of plasma-based N2 fixation. In this work, we designed an underwater transfer arc discharge plasma N2 fixation system based on a reverse vortex flow gliding arc. In full contact with air and water, the plasma could realize the efficient conversion of N2, O2, and H2O, obtaining gaseous NO, NO2, and activated water rich in NOx*. The experiment showed that an underwater transfer arc discharge was formed when the current was greater than 0.6 A. Under this operating condition, the conversion rate of N2 reached 1.63%, the concentration of NOx reached 2.4%, and the production rate of nitrogen-containing products was about 3.41 mol/h. In addition, the energy consumption was as low as 2.21 MJ/mol, the lowest reported value for atmospheric-pressure rotary gliding arc plasma-based N2 fixation. The generated activated water had abundant NO3- and NO2- ions, which could be directly applied as N2 fertilizer in agriculture, promoting plant germination and growth. This paper describes an environmentally friendly and efficient technical route toward developing industrial N2 fixation/green agriculture, strongly supporting the carbon neutrality concept.