Regulating Arc‐Flow Dynamics With External Magnetic Field for Efficient CO 2 Conversion in a Planar Gliding Arc Reactor

ABSTRACT Understanding arc‐flow interactions is crucial for optimizing CO 2 conversion in magnetically driven gliding arc reactors. In this study, a comprehensive diagnostic platform integrating electrical, high‐speed optical, and Schlieren imaging is developed to investigate arc‐flow dynamic under purely flow‐driven, magnetically‐accelerated, and magnetically‐decelerated configurations. Although the magnetically‐accelerated configuration expands the plasma region, it minimizes the arc‐flow slip velocity, thereby degrading CO 2 conversion due to a weakened gas‐sweeping effect and enhanced thermalization. Conversely, the magnetically‐decelerated configuration sustains a large relative slip velocity, which effectively dissipates heat and preserves a strong non‐equilibrium state. Consequently, it significantly improves CO 2 conversion performance by facilitating efficient mixing between the active plasma and feedstock.