A review of streamer discharge-induced plasma chemistry at atmospheric pressure: Key mechanisms and future perspectives

Abstract

This review examines the chemical reactions induced primarily by streamer discharges in atmospheric air, focusing on their physical parameters, radical formation, and modeling approaches. Although some references to low-pressure discharges are included for fundamental comparisons, the central emphasis remains on near-atmospheric conditions. Key physical parameters such as electric field strength, streamer propagation velocity and secondary streamer characteristics play a critical role in the design of the chemical pathways. Different modelling approaches, in particular those coupling discharge dynamics with chemical reaction simulations, are analyzed to highlight their advantages and limitations. Recent advances in computational techniques and experimental diagnostics have provided deeper insights into the primary and secondary reactions that occur in streamer discharges. The effects of gas composition, humidity, voltage waveforms and interfaces on reaction mechanisms are also discussed. Emerging research trends such as plasma-liquid interactions, multi-scale modelling and the application of artificial intelligence to discharge simulations are also explored. By systematically analyzing the underlying chemical kinetics, this work aims to improve the understanding of streamer-induced plasma chemistry and its potential applications.