Ni/MgO catalyst prepared using atmospheric high-frequency discharge plasma for CO_2 reforming of methane

A new type of Ni/MgO catalyst was prepared using atmospheric high-frequency discharge cold plasma. The influences of conventional method, plasma method, and plasma plus calcination method on the catalytic activity were studied and the CO2 reforming of methane was chosen as the probe reaction. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron microscope （TEM）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and CO2 temperature-programmed surface reaction techniques. The results suggested that the nickel-based catalyst prepared by plasma plus calcination method possessed a smaller particle size and a higher dispersion of active component, better low-temperature activity and enhanced anti-coking ability. The conversion of CO2 and CH4 was 90.70% and 89.37%, respectively, and the reaction lasted for 36 h without obvious deactivation under 101.325 kPa and 750°C with CO2/CH4 = 1/1.

Efficient activation of the Co/SBA-15catalyst by high-frequency AC-DBD plasma thermal effects for toluene removal

Dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)plasma excited by a high-frequency alternating-current(AC)power supply is widely employed for the degradation of volatile organic compounds(VOCs).However,the thermal effect generated during the discharge process leads to energy waste and low energy utilization efficiency.In this work,an innovative DBD thermally-conducted catalysis(DBD-TCC)system,integrating high-frequency AC-DBD plasma and its generated thermal effects to activate the Co/SBA-15 catalyst,was employed for toluene removal.Specifically,Co/SBA-15 catalysts are closely positioned to the ground electrode of the plasma zone and can be heated and activated by the thermal effect when the voltage exceeds 10 k V.At12.4 k V,the temperature in the catalyst zone reached 261℃ in the DBD-TCC system,resulting in an increase in toluene degradation efficiency of 17%,CO_(2)selectivity of 21.2%,and energy efficiency of 27%,respectively,compared to the DBD system alone.In contrast,the DBD thermally-unconducted catalysis(DBD-TUC)system fails to enhance toluene degradation due to insufficient heat absorption and catalytic activation,highlighting the crucial role of AC-DBD generated heat in the activation of the catalyst.Furthermore,the degradation pathway and mechanism of toluene in the DBD-TCC system were hypothesized.This work is expected to provide an energy-efficient approach for high-frequency AC-DBD plasma removal of VOCs.

Comparative analysis of single-crater parameters in ultrasonic-assisted and unassisted micro-EDM of Ti6Al4V using discharge plasma imaging

Ultrasonic-assisted micro-electro-discharge machining(EDM)has the potential to enhance processing responses such as material removal rate(MRR)and surface finish.To understand the reasons for this enhancement,the physical mechanisms responsible for the individual discharges and the craters that they form need to be explored.This work examines features of craters formed by single discharges at various parameter values in both conventional and ultrasonic-assistedEDM of Ti6Al4V.High-speed imaging of the plasma channel is performed,and data on the individual discharges are captured in real-time.A 2D axisymmetric model using finite element software is established to model crater formation.On the basis of simulation and experimental results,a comparative study is then carried out to examine the effects of ultrasonic vibrational assistance on crater geometry.For every set ofEDM parameters,the crater diameter and depth from a single discharge are found to be higher in ultrasonic-assistedEDM than in conventionalEDM.The improved crater geometry and the reduced bulge formation at the crater edges are attributed to the increased melt pool velocity and temperature predicted by the model.

Effect of dielectric material on the uniformity of nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

Dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)is considered as a promising technique to produce large volume uniform plasma at atmospheric pressure,and the dielectric barrier layer between the electrodes plays a key role in the DBD processes and enhancing discharge uniformity.In this work,the uniformity and discharge characteristics of the nanosecond(ns)pulsed DBD with dielectric barrier layers made of alumina,quartz glass,polycarbonate(PC),and polypropylene(PP)are investigated via discharge image observation,voltage-current waveform measurement and optical emission spectral diagnosis.Through analyzing discharge image by gray value standard deviation method,the discharge uniformity is quantitatively calculated.The effects of the space electric field intensity,the electron density(Ne),and the space reactive species on the uniformity are studied with quantifying the gap voltage Ug and the discharge current Ig,analyzing the recorded optical emission spectra,and simulating the temporal distribution of Ne with a one-dimensional fluid model.It is found that as the relative permittivity of the dielectric materials increases,the space electric field intensity is enhanced,which results in a higher Ne and electron temperature(Te).Therefore,an appropriate value of space electric field intensity can promote electron avalanches,resulting in uniform and stable plasma by the merging of electron avalanches.However,an excessive value of space electric field intensity leads to the aggregation of space charges and the distortion of the space electric field,which reduce the discharge uniformity.The surface roughness and the surface charge decay are measured to explain the influences of the surface properties and the second electron emission on the discharge uniformity.The results in this work give a comprehensive understanding of the effect of the dielectric materials on the DBD uniformity,and contribute to the selection of dielectric materials for DBD reactor and the realization of atmospheric pressure uniform,stable,and reactive plasma sources.

On the evolution and formation of discharge morphology in pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

The discharge morphology of pulsed dielectric barrier discharge(PDBD) plays important roles in its applications. Here, we systematically investigated the effects of the voltage amplitude,discharge gap, and O_(2)content on the PDBD morphology, and revealed the possible underlying mechanism of the U-shaped formation. First, the morphological evolution under different conditions was recorded. A unique U-shaped region appears in the middle edge region when the gap is larger than 2 mm, while the entire discharge region remains columnar under a 2 mm gap in He PDBD. The width of the discharge and the U-shaped region increase with the increase in voltage, and decrease with the increase of the gap and O_(2)content. To explain this phenomenon,a two-dimensional symmetric model was developed to simulate the spatiotemporal evolution of different species and calculate the electric thrust. The discharge morphology evolution directly corresponds to the excited-state atomic reduction process. The electric thrust on the charged particles mainly determines the reaction region and strongly influences the U-shaped formation.When the gap is less than 2 mm, the electric thrust is homogeneous throughout the entire region,resulting in a columnar shape. However, when the gap is larger than 2 mm or O_(2)is added, the electric thrust in the edge region becomes greater than that in the middle, leading to the U-shaped formation. Furthermore, in He PDBD, the charged particles generating electric thrust are mainly electrons and helium ions, while in He/O_(2)PDBD those that generate electric thrust at the outer edge of the electrode surface are mainly various oxygen-containing ions.

Discharge and mass transfer characteristics of atmospheric pressure gas-solid two-phase gliding arc

In this work,a gas-solid two-phase gliding arc discharge(GS-GAD)reactor was built.Gliding arc was formed in the gap between the blade electrodes,and solid powder was deposited on the sieve plate positioned beneath the blade electrodes.A range of experimental parameters,including the inter-electrode spacing,gas flow rate,applied voltage,and the type of the powder,were systematically varied to elucidate the influence of solid powder matter on the dynamics of gliding arc discharge(GAD).The discharge images were captured by ICCD and digital camera to investigate the mass transfer characteristics of GS-GAD,and the electrical parameters,such as the effective values of voltage,current,and discharge power were record to reveal the discharge characteristics of GS-GAD.The results demonstrate that powder undergoes spontaneous movement towards the upper region of the gliding arc due to the influence of electric field force.Increasing the discharge voltage,decreasing relative dielectric constant of the powder and reducing the electrode-to-sieve-plate distance all contribute to a greater involvement of powder in the GAD process,subsequently resulting in an enhanced powder concentration within the GAD region.Additionally,powder located beneath the gliding arc experiences downward resistance caused by the opposing gas flow and arc.Excessive gas flow rate notably hampers the powder concentration within the discharge region,and the velocity of powder motion in the upper part of the GAD region is reduced.Under the condition of electrode-to-sieve-plate distance of 30 mm,gas flow rate of 1.5 L/min,and peak-to-peak voltage of 31 kV,the best combination of arc gliding and powder spark discharge phenomena can be achieved with the addition of Al_(2)O_(3) powder.

Predictors of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge among Women of Reproductive Age in Southeast Nigeria

Background: An abnormal vaginal discharge is a common complaint among women of reproductive age, and it can indicate serious conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease and cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age group in Imo State, Southeast Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 women of reproductive age group attending the clinic at Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri, in Imo State, Nigeria. Respondents were recruited using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge. Statistical significance was set at p Results: The mean age of the respondents was 30 ± 4.5 years. Predictors of abnormal vaginal discharge were: age 36 - 45 years (OR: 4.5;95% C.I: 1.023 - 8.967, p = 0.041), being a student (OR: 2.4: 95% C.I: 1.496 - 7.336, p = 0.003), use of oral contraceptives (OR: 3.4;95% C.I: 1.068 - 6.932, p = 0.010), use of water cistern (OR: 4.7;C.I: 1.654 - 5.210, p = 0.028) anal hygiene practices (OR: 2.7;95% C.I: 1.142 - 4.809, p Conclusion: These findings suggest that targeted sexual and reproductive health interventions should be provided to reduce the risk of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age group.

Experimental study on the effect of H_(2)O and O_(2) on the degradation of SF_(6) by pulsed dielectric barrier discharge

SF_(6) has excellent insulation performance and arc extinguishing ability,and is widely used in the power industry.However,its global warming potential is about 23,500 times that of C0_(2),it can exist stably in the atmosphere,it is not easily degradable and is of great potential harm to the environment.Based on pulsed dielectric barrier discharge plasma technology,the effects of H_(2)O and 0_(2) on the degradation of SF_(6) were studied.Studies have shown that H_(2)O can effectively promote the decomposition of SF_(6) and improve its degradation rate and energy efficiency of degradation.Under the action of a pulse input voltage and input frequency of 15 kV and 15 kHz,respectively,when H_(2)O is added alone the effect of 1% H_(2)O is the best,and the rate and energy efficiency of degradation of SF_(6) reach their maximum values,which are 91.9% and 8.25 g kWh^(-1),respectively.The synergistic effect of H_(2)O and O_(2) on the degradation of SF_(6) was similar to that of H_(2)O.When the concentration of H_(2)O and O_(2) was 1%,the system obtained the best rate and energy efficiency of degradation,namely 89.7% and 8.05 g kWh~(-1),respectively.At the same time,different external gases exhibit different capabilities to regulate decomposition products.The addition of H_(2)O can effectively improve the selectivity of S0_(2).Under the synergistic effect of H_(2)O and O_(2),with increase in O_(2) concentration the degradation products gradually transformed into SO_(2)F_(2).From the perspective of harmless treatment of the degradation products of SF_(6),the addition of O_(2) during the SF_(6) degradation process should be avoided.

Novel method for identifying the stages of discharge underwater based on impedance change characteristic

It is difficult to determine the discharge stages in a fixed time of repetitive discharge underwater due to the arc formation process being susceptible to external environmental influences. This paper proposes a novel underwater discharge stage identification method based on the Strong Tracking Filter(STF) and impedance change characteristics. The time-varying equivalent circuit model of the discharge underwater is established based on the plasma theory analysis of the impedance change characteristics and mechanism of the discharge process. The STF is used to reduce the randomness of the impedance of repeated discharges underwater, and then the universal identification resistance data is obtained. Based on the resistance variation characteristics of the discriminating resistance of the pre-breakdown, main, and oscillatory discharge stages, the threshold values for determining the discharge stage are obtained. These include the threshold values for the resistance variation rate(K) and the moment(t).Experimental and error analysis results demonstrate the efficacy of this innovative method in discharge stage determination, with a maximum mean square deviation of Scrless than 1.761.

Kinematic deformation and intensity assessment of the 2021 Maduo M_(S)7.4 earthquake in Qinghai revealed by high-frequency GNSS

Rapid acquisition of the kinematic deformation field and seismic intensity distribution of large earthquakes is crucial for postseismic emergency rescue,disaster assessment,and future seismic risk research.The advancement of GNSS observation and data processing makes it play an important role in this field,especially the high-frequency GNSS.We used the differential positioning method to calculate the 1 HZ GNSS data from 98 sites within 1000 km of the M_(S)7.4 Maduo earthquake epicenter.The kinematic deformation field and the distribution of the seismic intensity by using the peak ground velocity derived from displacement waveforms were obtained.The results show that:1)Horizontal coseismic response deformation levels ranging from 25 mm to 301 mm can be observed within a 1000 km radius from the epicenter.Coseismic response deformation on the east and west sides shows bilateral asymmetry,which markedly differs from the symmetry presented by surface rupture.2)The seismic intensity obtained through high-frequency GNSS and field investigations exhibits good consistency of the scope and orientation in the high seismic intensity area,although the former is generally slightly smaller than the latter.3)There may exist obstacles on the eastern side of the seismogenic fault.The Maduo earthquake induced a certain tectonic stress loading effect on the western Kunlun Pass-Jiangcuo fault(KPJF)and Maqin-Maqu segment,resulting in higher seismic risk in the future.

Dynamic Response of Foundations during Startup of High-Frequency Tunnel Equipment

The specialized equipment utilized in long-line tunnel engineering is evolving towards large-scale,multifunctional,and complex orientations.The vibration caused by the high-frequency units during regular operation is supported by the foundation of the units,and the magnitude of vibration and the operating frequency fluctuate in different engineering contexts,leading to variations in the dynamic response of the foundation.The high-frequency units yield significantly diverse outcomes under different startup conditions and times,resulting in failure to meet operational requirements,influencing the normal function of the tunnel,and causing harm to the foundation structure,personnel,and property in severe cases.This article formulates a finite element numerical computation model for solid elements using three-dimensional elastic body theory and integrates field measurements to substantiate and ascertain the crucial parameter configurations of the finite element model.By proposing a comprehensive startup timing function for high-frequency dynamic machines under different startup conditions,simulating the frequency andmagnitude variations during the startup process,and suggesting functions for changes in frequency and magnitude,a simulated startup schedule function for high-frequency machines is created through coupling.Taking into account the selection of the transient dynamic analysis step length,the dynamic response results for the lower dynamic foundation during its fundamental frequency crossing process are obtained.The validation checks if the structural magnitude surpasses the safety threshold during the critical phase of unit startup traversing the structural resonance region.The design recommendations for high-frequency units’dynamic foundations are provided,taking into account the startup process of the machine and ensuring the safe operation of the tunnel.

Review of the Analysis and Suppression for High-frequency Oscillations of the Grid-connected Wind Power Generation System

High-frequency oscillation(HFO)of gridconnected wind power generation systems(WPGS)is one of the most critical issues in recent years that threaten the safe access of WPGS to the grid.Ensuring the WPGS can damp HFO is becoming more and more vital for the development of wind power.The HFO phenomenon of wind turbines under different scenarios usually has different mechanisms.Hence,engineers need to acquire the working mechanisms of the different HFO damping technologies and select the appropriate one to ensure the effective implementation of oscillation damping in practical engineering.This paper introduces the general assumptions of WPGS when analyzing HFO,systematically summarizes the reasons for the occurrence of HFO in different scenarios,deeply analyses the key points and difficulties of HFO damping under different scenarios,and then compares the technical performances of various types of HFO suppression methods to provide adequate references for engineers in the application of technology.Finally,this paper discusses possible future research difficulties in the problem of HFO,as well as the possible future trends in the demand for HFO damping.

Experimental study of the effect of gas discharge on ionic liquid electrospray

Ionic liquid electrospray(ILE) in an atmospheric environment is often accompanied by the gas discharge phenomenon. It interferes with the normal operation of the electrospray and the measurement of experimental parameters. In this study, electrospray experiments were conducted on the ionic liquid EMI-BF4. The observations revealed that the operating modes of the ionic liquid depend on the voltage polarity at high voltages. Additionally, a correspondence between the operating mode of ILE and the current signal in the circuit was established. The shape of the liquid cone formed at the needle tip bore a striking resemblance to the plume of corona discharge, suggesting that the motion trajectory of electrons influenced the curvature of the liquid cone. Steamer theory provided a clear explanation for the change in curvature as the voltage increased.

Role of micro-Ca/In alloying in tailoring the microstructural characteristics and discharge performance of dilute Mg-Bi-Sn-based alloys as anodes for Mg-air batteries

The influence of micro-Ca/In alloying on the microstructural charac teristics,electrochemical behaviors and discharge properties of extruded dilute Mg-0.5Bi-0.5Sn-based(wt.%)alloys as anodes for Mg-air batteries are evaluated.The grain size and texture intensity of the Mg-Bi-Sn-based alloys are significantly decreased after the Ca/In alloying,particularly for the In-containing alloy.Note that,in addition to nanoscale Mg_(3)Bi_(2)phase,a new microscale Mg_(2)Bi_(2)Ca phase forms in the Ca-containing alloy.The electrochemical test results demonstrate that Ca/In micro-alloying can enhance the electrochemical activity.Using In to alloy the Mg-Bi-Sn-based alloy is effective in restricting the cathodic hydrogen evolution(CHE)kinetics,leading to a low self-corrosion rate,while severe CHE occurred after Ca alloying.The micro-alloying of Ca/In to Mg-Bi-Sn-based alloy strongly deteriorates the compactness of discharge products film and mitigates the"chunk effect"(CE),hence the cell voltage,anodic efficiency as well as discharge capacity are greatly improved.The In-containing alloy exhibits outstanding discharge performance under the combined effect of the modified microstructure and discharge products,thus making it a potential anode material for primary Mg-air battery.

Discharge evolution law of debris flow based on a sharp bend physical modeling test

For the basins with debris flow development,its channel terrain exhibits a tortuous shape,which significantly restricts the movement of debris flows and leads to severe erosion effects on the concave bank.Therefore,this study aims to analyze the shear force of debris flows within the bend channel.We established the relationship between the shear force and bend curvature through laboratory experiments.Under the long-term erosion by debris flows,the curvature radius of bends gradually increases,however,when this increasing trend reaches an equilibrium state with the intensity of debris flow discharge,there will be no significant change in curvature radius.In general,the activity pattern and discharges of debris flows would remain relatively stable.Hence,we can infer the magnitude of debris flow discharges from the terrain parameters of the bend channel.

Performance of pulsed plasma thruster at low discharge energy

As the size of satellites scales down, low-power and compact propulsion systems such as the pulsed plasma thruster(PPT) are needed for stabilizing these miniature satellites in orbit. Most PPT systems are operated at 2 J or more of discharge energy. In this work, the performance of a PPT with a side-fed, tongue-flared electrode configuration operated within a lower discharge energy range of 0.5-2.5 J has been investigated. Ablation and charring of the polytetrafluoroethylene propellant surface were analyzed through field-effect scanning electron microscopy imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. When the discharge energy fell below 2 J, inconsistencies occurred in the specific impulse and the thrust efficiency due to the measurement of the low mass bit. At energy ≥2 J, the performance parameters are compared with other PPT systems of similar configuration and discussed in depth.

Reconfigurable(4, 6^(2)) and(4, 8^(2)) Archimedean plasma photonic crystals in dielectric barrier discharge

Archimedean photonic crystal has become a research area of great interest due to its various unique properties. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the realization of reconfigurable(4, 6^(2))and(4, 8^(2)) Archimedean plasma photonic crystals(APPCs) by use of dielectric barrier discharges in air. Dynamical control on both the macrostructures including the lattice symmetry and the crystal orientation, and the microstructures including the fine structures of scattering elements has been achieved. The formation mechanisms of APPCs are studied by time-resolved measurements together with numerical simulations. Large omnidirectional band gaps of APPCs have been obtained. The tunable topology of APPCs may offer new opportunities for fabricating multi-functional and highly-integrated microwave devices.

Suppression of current-induced membrane discharge of bipolar membranes by regulating ion crossover transport

Bipolar membranes(BPMs)exhibit the unique capability to regulate the operating environment of electrochemical system through the water dissociation-combination processes.However,the industrial utilization of BPMs is limited by instability and serious energy consumption.The current-induced membrane discharge(CIMD)at high-current conditions has a negative influence on the performance of anion-exchange membranes,but the underlying ion transport mechanisms in the BPMs remain unclear.Here,the CIMD-coupled Poisson-Nernst-Planck(PNP)equations are used to explore the ion transport mechanisms in the BPMs for both reverse bias and forward bias at neutral and acid-base conditions.It is demonstrated that the CIMD effect in the reverse-bias mode can be suppressed by enhancing the diffusive transport of salt counter-ions(Na^(+)and Cl^(−))into the BPMs,and that in the forward-bias mode with acid-base electrolytes can be suppressed by matching the transport rate of water counter-ions(H_(3)O^(+)and OH^(−)).Suppressing the CIMD can promote the water dissociation in the reverse-bias mode,as well as overcome the plateau of limiting current density and reduce the interfacial blockage of salt co-ions(Cl^(−))in the anion-exchange layer in the forward-bias mode with acid-base electrolytes.Our work highlights the importance of regulating ion crossover transport on improving the performance of BPMs.

Electron characteristics and dynamics in sub-millimeter pulsed atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge

The discharge characteristics and mechanism of sub-millimeter pulsed dielectric barrier discharge in atmosphericpressure helium are investigated experimentally and theoretically, demonstrating that when the discharge gap distance is reduced from 1.00 mm to 0.20 mm, the discharge ignition time is reduced to approximately 40 ns and discharge intensity is enhanced in terms of the discharge optical emission intensity and density of the plasma species,(energetic electrons with energy above 8.40 e V). The simulated results show that as the discharge gap distance is further reduced to 0.10 mm,the number of energetic electrons decreases, which is attributable to the contraction of plasma bulk regime and reduction of electron density in the discharge bulk. Conversely, the proportion of energetic electrons to the total electrons in the discharge monotonically increases as the discharge gap distance is reduced from 1.00 mm to 0.10 mm. It is proposed that a gap distance of 0.12 mm is optimal to achieve a high concentration and proportion of energetic electrons in sub-millimeter pulsed atmosphere dielectric barrier discharge.

Synthesis of NO by rotating sliding arc discharge reactor with conical-spiral electrodes

The present work investigates the potential applications of nitrogen oxides(NO_(x)),particularly nitric oxide(NO)and nitrogen dioxide(NO2),generated through discharge plasma in diverse sectors such as medicine,nitrogen fixation,energy,and environmental protection.In this study,a rotating sliding arc discharge reactor was initially employed to produce high concentrations of gaseous NO_(x),followed by the utilization of a molybdenum wire redox reactor for NO2-to-NO conversion.The outcomes reveal that the discharge states and generations of NO_(x) are affected by varying parameters,including the applied energies,frequencies and airflow states(1.3-2.6 m/s are the laminar flow,2.6-5.2 m/s are the transition state,5.2-6.5 m/s are the turbulent flow),and the concentrations of NO_(x) within the arc discharge are higher than that in the spark discharge.Moreover,the concentrations of NO,NO2 and NO_(x) gradually increased,and the concentration ratios of NO/NO2 and NO_(x)/NO2 decreased with increasing the applied energy for one cycle from 14.8 mJ to 24.3 mJ.Meanwhile,the concentrations of NO,NO2 and NO_(x) gradually decreased,and the concentration ratios of NO/NO2 and NO_(x)/NO2 first decreased and then increased with increasing the applied frequencies from 5.0 kHz to 9.0 kHz.Further,the concentrations of NO,NO2 and NO_(x) gradually decreased,and the concentration ratios of NO/NO2 and NO_(x)/NO2 first increased and then decreased with increasing the air flow speeds from 1.3 m/s to 6.5 m/s.Lastly,the concentrations of NO increased and NO2 decreased with increasing temperature from 25°C to 400°C using molybdenum converted.These findings provide experimental support for the application of plasma in the fields of medicine,nitrogen fixation,energy and environmental protection.