Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Vol.109, No.31, 14876-14883, 2005
Analysis of the roles of nitrogen and oxygen in the synthesis of an alcohol polymer during plasma-induced reactions
This paper investigates the roles of nitrogen and oxygen in forming a I-butanol polymer. The analyses show that nitrogen is the key species for forming a stable I-butanol polymer, and the viscosity of the polymer is increased as the ratio of nitrogen in the polymer is increased. In contrast, oxygen does not contribute to forming the polymer but rather prevents formation of the polymer instead. This article also analyzes the origin of C=O bonding in the 1-butanol polymer. IR analysis demonstrates that oxygen in the atmosphere is fixed in the polymer as C=O bonds, instead oxidizing the O-H group in 1-butanol.