Microwave Oxygen
Microwave Oxygen
Can microwaves ionize oxygen?
Yes. The electric field of sufficiently intense microwaves can ionize any gas by accelerating free electrons (there are always a few around) to sufficient energy that when they collide with atoms, more electrons are released. The electron density can then grow exponentially unit the entire gas is ionized. It requires less intensity if the gas is at very low pressure (a few torr). Otherwise, the mean free path between collisions can be insufficient for the electrons to accelerate to high enough energy to release more electrons when they collide with atoms. If the pressure is too low, however, they don’t collide often enough to cause the gas to ionize. There is an optimum pressure.
Microwave Oxygen
Can electricity break down CO2?
Running a current through water will break the water into hydrogen and oxygen, and scientests are now using microwaves to decompose hydrocarbons in rubber and plastic.
Is there some way to break down CO2 in the air through a direct application of energy (electrical current, microwaves, x-rays, heat, whatever…)?
I don’t think electrical current will.
CO2 is held by strong covalent bonds. An immense mount of heat will be needed to break the bonds.
Microwave Explosion