Sub-atmospheric Tubular Electrostatic Precipitator for Efficient Reduction of Methane and Carbon Monoxide

Abstract

This study uses a sub-atmospheric pressure spark electrostatic precipitator (ESP) to examine the reduction of carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH₄) from atmospheric air. The process operates in the voltage range of 15–25 kV at a constant pressure of 380 Torr. Gas concentrations inside and outside the deposition unit were measured using MQ-2 and MQ-4 sensors mounted on an Arduino-based data acquisition module. The results showed that negative spark discharge significantly improves removal efficiency compared to positive discharge, with maximum removal efficiencies of 88% for methane and 87% for CO at 25 kV with a negative bias. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed the deposition of round-shaped carbon nanoparticles and agglomerates on the electrode surface. At the same time, EDS analysis confirmed the high carbon deposition, demonstrating the efficient decomposition of CO and CH₄ molecules within the plasma discharge chamber.