Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage: Exploring the Efficacy of Negative Corona Discharge in CO₂ Decomposition

Abstract

This research investigates the use of cold plasma technology, specifically negative corona discharge, for the efficient and cost-effective decomposition of carbon dioxide (CO2) to reduce air pollution. Using specially designed copper electrodes with pointed triangular tips and an aluminum ground plate, the study evaluates CO2 decomposition under varied states of electric field intensities (Glow, Streamer, and Electric Field Strength) and airflow rates. The experimental achieved a maximum CO2 decomposition efficiency of 96.44% at the Electric Field Strength level with a 40 L/min airflow rate. However, this process also generated significant byproducts, notably ozone (O3) at 8.4 ppm and nitrogen oxides (NO $_{\mathrm {x}}$ ) at 34 ppm, illustrating the relationship between electric field intensity, CO2 decomposition efficiency, and byproduct generation. Additionally, the study examines the impact of varying CO2 concentrations on decomposition efficiency and byproduct formation at the Electric Field Strength state, finding that higher CO2 concentrations increase decomposition efficiency and decrease byproduct levels. This research demonstrates the potential of corona discharge plasma, with its low-temperature operation and scalability, as a promising tool for advancing Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies and mitigating air pollution.

Keywords

• DC corona discharge
• negative corona discharge
• non-thermal plasma
• electric field intensity
• carbon dioxide (CO₂)