2024/05/13 by Ibrahim Sadiek, Adam J. Fleisher, Jakob Hayden +5 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Chemistry · Medicine · #Mass Spectrometry Techniques and Applications #Plasma Applications and Diagnostics #Spectroscopy and Laser Applications
paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s42004-024-01190-7
openalex publication_date 2024/05/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/04
Abstract Plasma-activated chemical transformations promise the efficient synthesis of salient chemical products. However, the reaction pathways that lead to desirable products are often unknown, and key quantum-state-resolved information regarding the involved molecular species is lacking. Here we use quantum cascade laser dual-comb spectroscopy (QCL-DCS) to probe plasma-activated NH 3 generation with rotational and vibrational state resolution, quantifying state-specific number densities via broadband spectral analysis. The measurements reveal unique translational, rotational and vibrational temperatures for NH 3 products, indicative of a highly reactive, non-thermal environment. Ultimately, we postulate on the energy transfer mechanisms that explain trends in temperatures and number densities observed for NH 3 generated in low-pressure nitrogen-hydrogen (N 2 –H 2 ) plasmas.