Sustainable nitrogen fixation by novel gliding arc plasma reactor for the production of nitrogen fertilizers

Abstract A novel plasma reactor is being investigated for green NOx production, crucial for nitrate‐based fertilizer manufacturing. Various parameters, including air flow rates, gas ratios, ozone, and catalyst effects are explored for NO → NO 2 conversion. NOx concentrations reach ~0.6 vol%, with a total production of ~9.7 gr/h and energy cost of ~3.0 mJ/mol, notably favorable for atmospheric gliding arc plasma. Selectivity (~75%) towards NO 2 is achieved with ozone addition or catalytic treatment, pivotal for nitrate fertilizer and HNO 3 production.