Plasma-catalyst interaction studied in a single pellet DBD reactor: dielectric constant effect on plasma dynamics

A novel single dielectric pellet DBD that is designed to facilitate studying the interaction between plasmas and catalysts is presented. The influence of material dielectric constant on plasma dynamics across a range of applied voltages is determined through the use of electrical characterisation combined with videos of the discharge. Different discharge modes in nitrogen are observed and their behaviour is characterised. A particular focus is given to the phenomenon known as 'partial discharging'. This is where incomplete plasma formation occurs between the electrodes of the reactor, which may have implications for the fair testing of catalysts in packed bed reactors. Additionally, the occurrence of an 'almond shaped' QV plot in the event of point to-point discharging in PBRs is explained. This work provides easily implemented analytical techniques that can be applied to understand the behaviour of plasmas within packed bed DBD reactors.