The impact of catalyst structure and loading material on the dynamics of plasma propagation in dielectric barrier discharges

Abstract Based on a two-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision model, the spatiotemporal dynamics of streamers in dielectric barrier discharges are investigated. The influence of coating materials with high dielectric constant (similar to catalysts) on pellets embedded in the bottom electrode is evaluated through numerical analysis. Upon interaction with the streamers, the coating material is polarized, leading to significant changes in potential and electric field at various positions near its surface. This effect results in drastic changes in discharge behavior, even triggering the formation of new streamer branches at the edges of the coating. Electrons display diverse energy distributions at various spatial positions and times during the streamer evolution, potentially impacting catalytic reaction rates. The plasma’s penetration into pores of dielectric pellets is contingent upon the sizes of the pores, affecting the electron density, energy, and the velocity of surface streamers. The revealed mechanisms are advantageous for controlling discharge characteristics and optimizing plasma treatment applications.