Generation of a homogeneous glow discharge: a comparative study between the use of fine wire mesh and perforated aluminium electrodes

Abstract

Ozone generation using both perforated-aluminium plate and fine-mesh stainless steel electrodes is studied, with the view to comparing the effectiveness of the two technologies in improving the stability of the glow discharge that they produce at atmospheric pressure. Electric field computations using simulation software (Ansoft-Maxwell 2D) indicate that the wire mesh generates the higher electric field strength, in contrast to an initial assumption that the perforated aluminium would be better because of its sharp-edged holes. Experimental work confirms however that the discharge configuration with perforated aluminium electrodes produces a better glow discharge stability at atmospheric pressure, showing that the electric field strength does not influence the stability of the glow discharge, as was also noted by previous authors. The perforated-aluminium plate discharge system may therefore be an effective means of improving the ozone generation and removing the pollutant gases.