FORMATION OF IONS IN IONIZED AIR,

Schematic representations are given for both the formation of positive ions and the formation of negative ions in ionized air. The formation of positive ions can be divided into three regions. Region I contains the ionization of neutral constituents and two-body reactions in dry air. Region II contains reactions involving ionic species which are formed by three-body reactions. Region III contains reactions requiring water vapor and shows the formation of the hydrated hydronium ions. The formation of negative ions proceeds predominantly through O2-. The clustering of neutral molecules to O2- opens additional channels for the formation of NO3-, an ion which is not attacked by atomic oxygen. Rate constants are given, including the experimental values on which they are based, for the reactions in the schematic representations. Author