Apparatus for inducing vibrational dissociation of chemical bonds using non-equilibrium plasma

Abstract

An apparatus for breaking down VOCs, greenhouse gases, and the like using non-equilibrium plasma includes primary and secondary plasma-generation matrices. The primary matrix operates at a relatively lower frequency to dissociate chemical bonds and break gaseous compounds into constituent elements. The secondary matrix operates at a relatively higher frequency (e.g., two- to three-times higher) to inhibit constituent elements against recombination. A laminar flow module, such as a series of parallel tubes, induces laminar airflow through the primary plasma-generation matrix.

Description

Attorney Docket No. 87220.0007APPARATUS FOR INDUCING VIBRATIONAL DISSOCIATION OF CHEMICAL BONDS USING NON-EQUILIBRIUM PLASMACROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States provisional application no. 63 / 713,701, filed 30 October 2024, which is hereby incorporated by referenced as though fully set forth herein.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the production of non-equilibrium plasma. In particular, the instant disclosure relates to the use of non-equilibrium plasma to break gaseous compounds down into their constituent elements for capture, collection, storage, release and / or reuse.BACKGROUND

[0003] According to the United Nations, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are the largest contributors to global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 90% of global carbon dioxide emissions. To combat climate change, it would be desirable to remove greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, from the air. Similarly, it would also be desirable to dissociate certain greenhouse gases into their constituent elements, such as creating hydrogen and carbon from methane. Known approaches, however, have various disadvantages, including high cost and environmental challenges.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Disclosed herein is an apparatus for inducing vibrational dissociation of chemical bonds in gaseous compounds using non-equilibrium plasma. The apparatus includes: a primary plasma-generation matrix operating at a first frequency, wherein the primary plasma-generation matrix produces enough vibrational energy to dissociate chemical bonds of a gaseous compound passing through the primary plasma-generation matrix, thereby breaking the gaseous compound into constituent elements; a secondary plasma-generation matrix positioned downstream of the primary plasma-generation matrix and operating at a second frequency different from the firstAttorney Docket No. 87220.0007 frequency, wherein the secondary plasma-generation matrix inhibits the constituent elements against recombination; and a laminar flow module positioned between the primary plasmageneration matrix and the secondary plasma-generation matrix to induce laminar airflow through the primary plasma-generation matrix.

[0005] The second frequency may be higher than the first frequency. For instance, the first frequency may be between 30 kHz and 80 kHz and the second frequency may be between 60 kHz and 240 kHz. In certain aspects of the disclosure, the second frequency may be at least double the first frequency.

[0006] A voltage between 5 kV and 65 kV may be applied to each of the primary plasmageneration matrix and the secondary plasma-generation matrix.

[0007] The laminar flow module may include a plurality of parallel tubes.

[0008] The apparatus may further include a drive fan. The drive fan may be positioned upstream of the primary plasma-generation matrix.

[0009] The apparatus may further include a housing. The primary plasma-generation matrix, the secondary plasma-generation matrix, and the laminar flow module may be disposed in the housing.

[0010] Each of the primary plasma-generation matrix and the secondary plasma-generation matrix may include a plurality of plasma cells. Each plasma cell may include: an anode ring; and a cathode assembly. The cathode assembly may include: a cathode ring concentrically surrounding the anode ring; and a plurality of discharge elements conductively coupled to and disposed circumferentially around the cathode ring, wherein each of the plurality of discharge elements has a proximal end oriented towards the cathode ring and a distal end oriented radially inward from the cathode ring towards the anode ring. The distal end of each of the plurality of discharge elements may include a knurled or hatched surface configured to direct plasma discharge from the respective discharge element towards the anode ring to thereby create a plasma field between the cathode ring and the anode ring.

[0011] The plurality of plasma cells may be arranged into a plurality of plasma cassettes. Each plasma cassette of the plurality of plasma cassettes may be configured to operate independent of other plasma cassettes of the plurality of plasma cassettes. Alternatively, theAttorney Docket No. 87220.0007 plasma cells of a respective plasma cassette may be configured to operate simultaneously with each other.

[0012] Also disclosed herein is a method of breaking a gaseous compound into constituent elements using non-equilibrium plasma. The method includes: forcing the gaseous compound into a housing containing a primary plasma-generation matrix and a secondary plasmageneration matrix downstream of the primary plasma-generation matrix; operating the primary plasma-generation matrix at a first frequency and a first voltage to generate a primary plasma field, wherein the primary plasma field produces enough vibrational energy to dissociate chemical bonds of the gaseous compound as it passes through the primary plasma-generation matrix to break the gaseous compound into constituent elements; and operating the secondary plasma-generation matrix at a second frequency and a second voltage to generate a secondary plasma field, wherein the secondary plasma field inhibits the constituent elements against recombination. At least one of the constituent elements may be collected.

[0013] The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from reading the following description and claims, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure l is a schematic illustration of a representative bond displacement device.

[0015] Figure 2 depicts a plasma cell.

[0016] Figure 3 is a close-up of region 3 in Figure 2.

[0017] Figures 4A and 4B are a close-up views of a discharge element as shown in Figure 2.More specifically, Figure 4A is a side view of a discharge element and Figure 4B is a perspective view of a discharge element.

[0018] Figure 5 is a close-up view of region 5 in Figure 2.

[0019] Figure 6 depicts a plasma cassette.

[0020] Figure 7 depicts a plasma-generation matrix.

[0021] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailedAttorney Docket No. 87220.0007 description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The instant disclosure provides apparatus and methods for producing nonequilibrium plasma. Non-equilibrium plasma is a type of plasma that is not in thermodynamic equilibrium. The produced plasma is a neutral ionized gas including positive ions, negative ions, free radicals, electrons in both excited and non-excited states, and highly-reactive radicals.

[0023] Non-equilibrium plasma can effectively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), greenhouse gases, and other potentially harmful gases from the environment without the use of a catalyst by utilizing high levels of electron energy, reactive radicals, and vibrational- induced dissociation to break these gaseous compounds into their constituent elements via inelastic collisions of high-energy electrons. The constituent elements may then be captured, collected, stored, reused, disposed of, released, and / or sold.

[0024] For purposes of illustration, various aspects of the disclosure will be described with reference to the conversion of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into elemental carbon (C) and oxygen (O) molecules. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate how to extend the teachings herein to the conversion of other greenhouse gases (e.g., methane) into their constituent elements (e.g., hydrogen and carbon).

[0025] Figure l is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for inducing vibrational dissociation of chemical bonds using non-equilibrium plasma, referred to herein as a “bond displacement device” or “BDD” 10. In aspects of the disclosure, one or more BDDs 10 may be deployed in various configurations to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by breaking the carbon dioxide molecules down into their constituent elements through a process of vibrational dissociation of chemical bonds and capturing, collecting, releasing, and / or storing the constituent elements. A deployment of multiple BDDs 10 (e.g., as part of a carbon dioxide conversion plant) may be referred to as a “pod.”

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, BDD 10 includes a drive fan 12, a primary plasma-generation matrix 14, a secondary plasma-generation matrix 16, a laminar flow module 18, and a grating 20. At least primary plasma-generation matrix 14, secondary plasma-generation matrix 16, andAttorney Docket No. 87220.0007 laminar flow module 18 are disposed within a housing 22. In certain aspects of the disclosure, housing 22 may be a cylindrical housing (such that BDD 10 may be referred to as a “bond displacement cylinder” or “BDC”). It should be understood, however, that the term “cylinder” is not intended to be limited to right circular cylinders. Rather, it is broadly intended to encompass other analogous structures, such as structures with non-circular (e.g., elliptical) bases and / or structures that taper or otherwise vary in cross-sectional dimension along their height. Likewise, housing 22 may have a non-cylindrical (e.g., polyhedral or prismatic) shape.

[0027] Housing 22 may be constructed of high-density polyethylene, which has dielectric properties that are desirable in connection with the teachings described below. Alternatively, housing 22 may be constructed of concrete. Further, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other non-conductive materials may also be used in the construction of housing 22.

[0028] In Figure 1, drive fan 12 is positioned at the inlet, or upstream, end 24 of housing 22 to push air into housing 22 and grating 20 is positioned at the outlet, or downstream, end 26 of housing 22. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that the position of drive fan 12 and grating 20 may be reversed (e.g., such that drive fan 12 draws air through housing 22 from outlet end 26), or grating 20 may be omitted entirely, without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0029] Drive fan 12 may operate at a flow rate between about 50,000 CFM and about 60,000 CFM, such as about 55,000 CFM for the conversion of carbon dioxide. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that different flow rates may be desirable in connection with different applications of the teachings herein.

[0030] Drive fan 12 may have a static pressure between about 0.8” and about 0.12”, such as about 0.10”.

[0031] In certain embodiments, drive fan 12 may be a counter-rotational fan. As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the use of a counter-rotational fan may enhance airflow through laminar flow module 18 by minimizing swirl and turbulence, in turn reducing energy consumption, mitigating pulsations and vibrations, and improving efficiency. Counter-rotational fans may also boost static pressure, in turn enhancing the overall impact of the plasma fields described below.Attorney Docket No. 87220.0007

[0032] Those of ordinary skill in the art will be familiar with suitable drive fans, such that further description of drive fan 12 is not necessary to an understanding of the instant disclosure.

[0033] Each of primary plasma-generation matrix 14 and secondary plasma-generation matrix 16 includes a plurality of plasma cells to generate non-equilibrium plasma. Figure 2 illustrates a representative plasma cell 28. Plasma cell 28 includes an anode ring 30 and a cathode ring 32 circumferentially surrounding anode ring 30. Anode ring 30 and cathode ring 32 may be made of stainless steel (e.g., 316 stainless steel) or another suitable electrically- conductive material such as silver, copper, gold, and various superalloys. Cathode ring 32 may be polished to minimize unwanted discharge towards anode ring 30 (that is, to maximize intended discharge from the discharge elements described in further detail below and to minimize discharge from other points on cathode ring 32).

[0034] Anode ring 30 and cathode ring 32 are supported by a non-conductive support ring 34. Support ring 34 may be connected to anode ring 30 by a plurality of non-conductive support webs 36. Figure 2 illustrates four support webs 36 spaced at about 90 degree intervals about the respective circumferences of anode ring 30 and support ring 34.

[0035] Similarly, cathode ring 32 is isolated from support ring 34 and supported by non- conductive suspension isolators 38. Figure 2 illustrates four suspension isolators 38 spaced at about 90 degree intervals about the respective circumferences of cathode ring 32 and support ring 34.

[0036] It should be understood that the arrangement of support webs 36 and suspension isolators 38 described above and illustrated in Figure 2 is merely exemplary. Indeed, the number, spacing, and / or configuration of support webs 36 and / or suspension isolators 38 may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] As mentioned above, support ring 34, support webs 36, and suspension isolators 38 are non-conductive. Various polycarbonate materials, including Makrolon® polycarbonate (Covestro AG; Leverkusen, Germany), are suitable for use in support ring 34, support webs 36, and / or suspension isolators 38. Other suitable materials for support ring 34, support webs 36, and / or suspension isolators 38 include concrete, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylic, and liquid crystal polymer (LCP) (e.g, Vectra® LCP (Celanese Corp.; Irving, TX)).Attorney Docket No. 87220.0007

[0038] Anode ring 30 is connected to ground via a ground passthrough bolt 40. One end of ground passthrough bolt 40 is conductively connected to anode ring 30 and the other end of ground passthrough bolt 40 is connected to ground radially outside of support ring 34. As shown in Figure 3, ground passthrough bolt 40 may be secured against support ring 34 by one or more connector nuts 42.

[0039] Figure 2 also illustrates a plurality of discharge elements 44. Discharge elements 44 are disposed circumferentially around and conductively coupled to cathode ring 32, and in particular to the radially-inward side of cathode ring 32 (e.g., towards anode ring 30). Figure 2 illustrates eight discharge elements 44 spaced at regular intervals around cathode ring 32, though this arrangement is merely exemplary and variations are contemplated. The combination of cathode ring 32 and discharge elements 44 is referred to herein as a “cathode assembly.”

[0040] Figures 4A and 4B are close-up views of a representative discharge element 44, which may be made of a highly-conductive metal with high corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel. In general, each discharge element 44 has a proximal end that is oriented towards and conductively coupled to cathode ring 32 and an electrically-conductive distal end including a tip 48 that points radially inward towards anode ring 30 to focus the hi hest-energy potential to radiate towards anode ring 30.

[0041] The proximal end of discharge element 44 includes a base 45 that ends in a fastening nut 46. Fastening nut 46 may be integrally formed with base 45, such as by milling fastening nut 46 into base 45.

[0042] Fastening nut 46 may be used to secure at least one discharge element 44 to a corresponding electrically-conductive high voltage passthrough bolt 50 on cathode ring 32 as shown in Figure 5 (e.g., using connector nuts 52 to secure passthrough bolt 50 against support ring 34). High voltage passthrough bolt 50 is, in turn, connected to a high voltage source 54 (shown in Figure 2).

[0043] Alternatively, one or more discharge elements 44 may be fastened directly to cathode ring 32 using fastening nut 46 and a corresponding threaded connection on cathode ring 32, and a single passthrough bolt 50 may supply power to the entirety of cathode ring 32 and the remaining discharge elements 44 attached thereto. Other configurations are also contemplated.Attorney Docket No. 87220.0007

[0044] As shown in Figure 4B, base 45 of discharge element 44 can include a polished concavity 47 surrounded by a polished rim 49 within which tip 48 may sit. Tip 48 may include a knurled pattern that creates a directionally cross-hatched outer surface. It is contemplated that the cross-hatching on tip 48 may be angled such that its sharpest features are on the leading edge of tip 48, with cuts perpendicular to tip 48. It is also contemplated that similar knurling or crosshatching may be provided on the radially outwardly-facing surface of anode ring 30.

[0045] Several plasma cells 28 may be combined into a plasma cassette 56, such as shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, a plasma cassette 56 may have nine individual plasma cells 28 arranged in a snowflake pattern that is supported internally by an internal cassette support webbing 58 and supported externally by an external cassette support ring 60.

[0046] Internal cassette support webbing 58 and external cassette support ring 60 are non- conductive. Internal cassette support webbing 58 may be made, for example, of polycarbonate (e.g., Makrolon®) and external cassette support ring 60 may be made, for example, of PVC. Other suitable materials for internal cassette support webbing 58 and external cassette support ring 60 include ABS, acrylic, LCP, and combinations thereof.

[0047] It should also be understood that the configuration of plasma cassette 56 shown in Figure 6 is merely exemplary. The number and layout of plasma cells 28 within a given plasma cassette 56 may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] It is contemplated that all plasma cells 28 within a plasma cassette 56 may operate at a common frequency and voltage. To this end, they may be coupled to a common voltage source 54. It is also contemplated that the plasma cells 28 within a plasma cassette 56 may be configured to operate independently of each other. To this end, the plasma cells 28 within a given plasma cassette 56 may be coupled to a common voltage source 54 through a drive controller 62 that includes a multiplexer. For clarity of illustration, only a single connection between drive controller 62 and a plasma cell 28 within plasma cassette 56 is shown in Figure 6; those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that drive controller 62 is similarly connected to other plasma cells 28 within plasma cassette 56 of Figure 6.

[0049] Similar to the arrangement of multiple plasma cells 28 into a plasma cassette 56, a plurality of plasma cassettes 56 may be arranged into each of primary plasma-generation matrix 14 and secondary plasma-generation matrix 16. For purposes of illustration, the arrangement ofAttorney Docket No. 87220.0007 primary plasma-generation matrix 14 will be described herein. It should be understood that the arrangement of secondary plasma-generation matrix 16 may be similar or the same.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, primary plasma-generation matrix 14 may include nine plasma cassettes 56, each including nine plasma cells 28, arranged in a snowflake pattern. The plasma cassettes 56 of primary plasma-generation matrix 14 may be supported internally by a non-conductive internal matrix support webbing 64 and supported externally by a non- conductive external matrix support ring 66. Similar to internal cassette support webbing 58 and external cassette support ring 60, internal matrix support webbing 64 and external matrix support ring 66 may be made of polycarbonate (c. ., Makrolon®) PVC, ABS, acrylic, LCP, and combinations thereof.

[0051] It is contemplated that all plasma cassettes 56 within primary plasma-generation matrix 14 may operate at a common frequency and voltage. For redundancy, however, each plasma cassette 56 within primary plasma-generation matrix 14 may be coupled to a unique voltage source 54. This, of course, allows individual plasma cassettes 56 within primary plasmageneration matrix 14 to operate independently of each other without the use of a multiplexer. Nevertheless, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that two or more plasma cassettes 56 may be coupled to a common voltage source 54 and that a drive controller that includes a multiplexer may be used to achieve independent operation of such plasma cassettes 56.

[0052] Primary plasma-generation matrix 14 may operate at a frequency between about 30 kHz and about 80 kHz, such as about 65 kHz. Primary plasma-generation matrix 14 may operate at a voltage between about 5 kV and about 65 kV.

[0053] As mentioned above, secondary plasma-generation matrix 16 may have a similar or identical construction to primary plasma-generation matrix 14. Secondary plasma-generation matrix 16 may operate at a frequency that is higher than the operating frequency of primary plasma-generation matrix 14, and that may be between about two and about three times higher than the operating frequency of primary plasma-generation matrix 14. For instance, secondary plasma-generation matrix may operate at a frequency between about 60 kHz and about 240 kHz, such as about 133 kHz. Secondary plasma-generation matrix 16 may operate at a voltage between about 5 kV and about 65 kV.Attorney Docket No. 87220.0007

[0054] Laminar flow module 18 induces laminar airflow through primary plasma-generation matrix 14. Although shown downstream of primary plasma-generation matrix 14 in Figure 1, laminar flow module 18 could also be positioned upstream of primary plasma-generation matrix 14. Indeed, positioning laminar flow module 18 in between drive fan 12 and primary plasmageneration matrix 14 may advantageously improve efficiency.

[0055] Laminar flow module 18 includes a plurality of tubes to induce laminar flow as air passes therethrough. According to aspects of the disclosure, the plurality of tubes are aligned with plasma cells 28 of primary plasma-generation matrix 14.

[0056] Laminar airflow impacts the movement of electrons through a phenomenon known as “spin hydrodynamic generation.” In spin hydrodynamic generation, the interaction of laminar flow of a fluid with electron spins may produce higher energy because of couplings between the fluid’s vorticity and the electron spin, and this higher energy increases the ability of BDD 10 to break gaseous compounds into their constituent elements. Laminar airflow within BDD 10 also helps regulate temperature and moisture content within BDD 10 by enhancing thermal transfer and moisture removal from plasma cells 28.

[0057] In operation, ambient air is drawn into BDD 10 and fed into primary plasmageneration matrix 14 by drive fan 12. Primary plasma-generation matrix 14 generates a nonequilibrium plasma field that begins to break down chemical bonds within gaseous compounds by utilizing high levels of electron energy, reactive radicals, and vibrational-induced dissociation to reduce gaseous compounds (e.g, CO2) into their constituent elements (e.g, C and O2).

[0058] Upon exiting primary plasma-generation matrix 14, the air enters laminar flow module 18. Laminar flow module 18 concentrates the electron reaction energy and helps stabilize constituent elements to improve extraction efficiency.

[0059] The air then enters secondary plasma-generation matrix 16. Secondary plasmageneration matrix 16 also generates a non-equilibrium plasma field that further breaks down chemical bonds to separate gaseous compounds into their constituent elements. The higher operating frequency of secondary plasma-generation matrix 16 relative to primary plasmageneration matrix 14 further increases the energy released when chemical bonds break, which increased energy further stabilizes the constituent elements and inhibits their recombination.Attorney Docket No. 87220.0007This allows for the extraction and capture of constituent elements proximate the downstream side of secondary plasma-generation matrix 16 (e.g., proximate grating 20).

[0060] Although several embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0061] For example, although a BDD with two plasma-generation matrices is described above, it is contemplated that more or fewer plasma-generation matrices could be utilized in a BDD without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, it is contemplated that a plasma-generation matrix could include only a single plasma cell without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0062] As another example, it is contemplated that laminar flow module 18 may be omitted in certain applications of the teachings herein.

[0063] As yet another example, a BDD according to the teachings herein may be utilized to treat either indoor or outdoor air. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, from the foregoing disclosure, how to vary the dimensions and other characteristics of a BDD in order to fit within a given working envelope.

[0064] All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.

[0065] It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 87220.0007CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for inducing vibrational dissociation of chemical bonds in gaseous compounds using non-equilibrium plasma, the apparatus comprising: a primary plasma-generation matrix operating at a first frequency, wherein the primary plasma-generation matrix produces enough vibrational energy to dissociate chemical bonds of a gaseous compound passing through the primary plasma-generation matrix, thereby breaking the gaseous compound into constituent elements; a secondary plasma-generation matrix positioned downstream of the primary plasmageneration matrix and operating at a second frequency different from the first frequency, wherein the secondary plasma-generation matrix inhibits the constituent elements against recombination; and a laminar flow module positioned between the primary plasma-generation matrix and the secondary plasma-generation matrix to induce laminar airflow through the primary plasmageneration matrix.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first frequency is between 30 kHz and 80 kHz and the second frequency is between 60 kHz and 240 kHz.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second frequency is at least double the first frequency.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a voltage between 5 kV and 65 kV is applied to the primary plasma-generation matrix and a voltage between 5 kV and 65 kV is applied to the secondary plasma-generation matrix.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the laminar flow module comprises a plurality of parallel tubes.Attorney Docket No. 87220.00077. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a drive fan.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the drive fan is positioned upstream of the primary plasma-generation matrix.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a housing, and wherein the primary plasma-generation matrix, the secondary plasma-generation matrix, and the laminar flow module are disposed in the housing.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the primary plasma-generation matrix and the secondary plasma-generation matrix comprises a plurality of plasma cells, wherein each plasma cell comprises: an anode ring; and a cathode assembly comprising: a cathode ring concentrically surrounding the anode ring; and a plurality of discharge elements conductively coupled to and disposed circumferentially around the cathode ring, wherein each of the plurality of discharge elements has a proximal end oriented towards the cathode ring and a distal end oriented radially inward from the cathode ring towards the anode ring.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the distal end of each of the plurality of discharge elements comprises a knurled or hatched surface configured to direct plasma discharge from the respective discharge element towards the anode ring to thereby create a plasma field between the cathode ring and the anode ring.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of plasma cells are arranged into a plurality of plasma cassettes.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein each plasma cassette of the plurality of plasma cassettes is configured to operate independent of other plasma cassettes of the plurality of plasma cassettes.Attorney Docket No. 87220.000714. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the plasma cells of a respective plasma cassette are configured to operate simultaneously with each other.

15. A method of breaking a gaseous compound into constituent elements using nonequilibrium plasma, the method comprising: forcing the gaseous compound into a housing containing a primary plasma-generation matrix and a secondary plasma-generation matrix downstream of the primary plasma-generation matrix; operating the primary plasma-generation matrix at a first frequency and a first voltage to generate a primary plasma field, wherein the primary plasma field produces enough vibrational energy to dissociate chemical bonds of the gaseous compound as it passes through the primary plasma-generation matrix to break the gaseous compound into constituent elements; and operating the secondary plasma-generation matrix at a second frequency and a second voltage to generate a secondary plasma field, wherein the secondary plasma field inhibits the constituent elements against recombination.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising collecting at least one of the constituent elements.

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