Titan's atmosphere chemistry simulation in atmospheric glow discharge

Abstract

The formation of products produced in an atmospheric glow discharge fed by a N2-CH4 gas mixture with CH4 contents in range from 0.5% to 2% CH4 has been studied using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The measurements were carried out in flowing regime at ambient temperature and pressure. Measurements revealed HCN and NH3 to be the major products of the plasma with traces of C2H2. These same molecules were observed by the Cassini-Huygens probe in Titan's atmosphere