Gas Phase Ion Chemistry vs. Plasma Chemistry

[Kryptonite-19]

What is the difference between "Gas Phase Ion Chemistry" and "Plasma Chemistry"? If one wants to learn about the ionization and dissociation processes of hydrogen gas are either of theses fields appropriate to study?

 

[maajdl]

I think that, by its definition, the plasma phase implies some degree of ionization.
Therefore the temperature must be high enough to reach a sufficient ionization level.
Ionization and dissociation are therefore more important in a plasma than in a "normal" gas.
However, even at "ambient" temperature, there is some ionization.
In addition, ionization can be obtained by other means that high temperatures: like by exposition to radiations (UV for example).
You will find a lot of data about ionization equilibrium in plasma physics.
See for example the Saha equation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saha_ionization_equation

 

[Kryptonite-19]

I've read that "Plasmas are gas phase systems". So are "Gas Phase Ion Chemistry" and "Plasma Chemistry" different names for the same field? Is this an appropriate field to study in order to learn about the dissociative ionization of hydrogen gas?

 

[maajdl]

Please read Wikipedia about the definition of a plasma:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_(physics )

Of course we can find common aspects between a gas and a plasma.
But ionization is specific to the plasma state.
Ionization has many observable consequence that makes a plasma different from a gas.

 

[LudusRex]

Gas phase ion chemistry and plasma chemistry are two related but distinct fields of study in chemistry. Both involve the study of ions, which are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, but they differ in the conditions under which these ions are formed.

Gas phase ion chemistry refers to the study of ions in a gaseous environment, typically at low pressure and with minimal interactions between ions and other molecules. This field focuses on the behavior and properties of ions in the gas phase, such as their reactivity, stability, and spectroscopic characteristics.

Plasma chemistry, on the other hand, deals with ions in a highly energetic state, typically in a high-temperature, low-pressure environment. Plasma is often referred to as the fourth state of matter, in addition to solid, liquid, and gas, and is characterized by a high concentration of ions and free electrons. Plasma chemistry involves the study of the complex chemical reactions and interactions that occur in this unique environment.

If one wants to study the ionization and dissociation processes of hydrogen gas, both gas phase ion chemistry and plasma chemistry would be appropriate fields to explore. Gas phase ion chemistry would focus on the behavior of ions in a low-pressure gaseous environment, while plasma chemistry would provide insight into the high-energy reactions and dynamics of ions in a plasma state. Both fields have their own unique contributions to understanding the chemistry of ions, and a comprehensive understanding of ionization and dissociation processes would require knowledge from both fields.