Hydrazine generation for the reduction process using small-scale plasmas in an argon/ammonia mixed gas flow

The generation of hydrazine (N2H4) molecules, which are useful for various reduction processes, by a small-scale dry process enables us to realize surface reduction processes without hazardous N2H4 transportation. We investigated N2H4 generation by plasmas in an atmospheric-pressure argon and ammonia (Ar/NH3) mixed gas flow with an in-line spectroscopic monitoring system. The generated N2H4 concentration was monitored by deep-ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy. The reduction process of silver (I) nitrite (AgNO3) in water solvent was achieved successfully by the generated N2H4 molecules, leading to the formation of sub-µm Ag particles. (fast track communication)