Generation of Ammonia in a Pulsed Hollow Cathode Discharge Operated in an Ar/H₂/N₂ Gas Mixture Detected by Fourier Transform Infrared

Abstract

A hollow cathode discharge with a copper nickel cathode (Cu50Ni50) was operated in an Ar/H 2 /N 2 gas mixture. Optical emission spectroscopy revealed the formation of NH radicals, which serve as precursors for NH 3 formation. Ion mass spectrometry showed the formation of NH 3 + and NH 4 + ions indicating NH 3 formation. Gas samples taken at the exhaust of the vacuum system were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Clear evidence for NH 3 formation was obtained from these measurements.