Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2025

A special issue of Plasma (ISSN 2571-6182).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 6020

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
Interests: nonequilibrium plasma; pulsed discharges; plasmachemistry; combustion; detonation waves; shock waves; plasma aerodynamics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, entitled “Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2025”, aims to collect high-quality original research articles, communications, and review papers in the cutting-edge field of plasma sciences. We encourage Editorial Board Members of Plasma (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/plasma/editors) to contribute feature papers that reflect the latest progress in their research field or invite relevant experts and colleagues instead.

The publications in the first and second volumes, which we believe may be of interest to you, can be found here: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/plasma/special_issues/plasmafp; https://www.mdpi.com/journal/plasma/special_issues/570U0DI1YV.

Prof. Dr. Andrey Starikovskiy
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • atmospheric-pressure plasma
  • electron, ion and plasma sources
  • low-temperature plasma and its applications
  • plasma diagnostics
  • electric discharges in gases, liquids and solids
  • plasma dynamics
  • plasma electrical properties
  • plasma theory and modelling
  • plasma–surface interaction
  • low-pressure plasma

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 995 KiB  
Article
A Quasi-Spherical Fusion Reactor Burning Boron-11 Fuel
by Joel G. Rogers, Andrew A. Egly, Yoon S. Roh, Robert E. Terry and Frank J. Wessel
Plasma 2025, 8(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma8030026 - 30 Jun 2025
Abstract
In this study, particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation was used to validate a conceptual design for a quasi-spherical, net power, hydrogen-plus-boron-11-fueled fusion reactor incorporating high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. By burning a fully thermalized plasma, our proposed MET6 reactor uses the principles of the 1980 magneto-electrostatic [...] Read more.
In this study, particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation was used to validate a conceptual design for a quasi-spherical, net power, hydrogen-plus-boron-11-fueled fusion reactor incorporating high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets. By burning a fully thermalized plasma, our proposed MET6 reactor uses the principles of the 1980 magneto-electrostatic trap design of Yushmanov to improve the classic Polywell design. Because the input power consumed by the reactor will barely balance the waste bremsstrahlung radiation, future research must focus on reducing the bremsstrahlung losses to reach practical net power levels. The first step to reducing bremsstrahlung, explored in this paper, is to tune the reactor parameters to reduce the energies of trapped electrons. We assume the quality factor Q can be approximated as the ratio of fusion power output divided by bremsstrahlung power loss. Thus, assuming the particles’ power loss is negligible compared to bremsstrahlung power loss, the resulting quality factor is estimated to be Q ≈ 1.3. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2025)
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16 pages, 4367 KiB  
Article
Non-Thermal Plasma-Assisted Synthesis of ZnO for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
by Harshini Mohan, Subash Mohandoss, Natarajan Balasubramaniyan and Sivachandiran Loganathan
Plasma 2025, 8(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma8020025 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 300
Abstract
Non-thermal plasma (NTP)-assisted material synthesis and surface modification provide a promising approach in various applications, particularly in wastewater treatment. In this study, we reported the synthesis of photocatalytic zinc oxide (ZnO) from zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) utilizing NTP discharge generated by dielectric [...] Read more.
Non-thermal plasma (NTP)-assisted material synthesis and surface modification provide a promising approach in various applications, particularly in wastewater treatment. In this study, we reported the synthesis of photocatalytic zinc oxide (ZnO) from zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) utilizing NTP discharge generated by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). The results demonstrated that the 40 min plasma treatment at 200 °C (ZnO-P) with a voltage of 20 kV significantly improved the material’s physicochemical properties compared to conventional calcination at 600 °C (ZnO-600). ZnO-P exhibited better crystallinity, a significantly reduced particle size of 41 nm, and a narrower band gap of 3.1 eV compared to ZnO-600. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated through crystal violet degradation, where ZnO-P achieved an 60% degradation rate after 90 min of UV exposure, whereas ZnO-600 exhibited only a 50% degradation rate under identical conditions. These findings underscore the effectiveness of NTP synthesis in enhancing the surface properties of ZnO, leading to superior photocatalytic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2025)
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19 pages, 1546 KiB  
Article
Inactivation of Bioaerosol Particles in a Single-Pass Multi-Stage Non-Thermal Plasma and Ionization Air Cleaner
by Justinas Masionis, Darius Čiužas, Edvinas Krugly, Martynas Tichonovas, Tadas Prasauskas and Dainius Martuzevičius
Plasma 2025, 8(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma8020022 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 774
Abstract
Bioaerosol particles contribute to the reduced indoor air quality and cause various health issues, thus their concentration must be managed. Air cleaning is one of the most viable technological options for reducing quantities of indoor air contaminants. This study assesses the effectiveness of [...] Read more.
Bioaerosol particles contribute to the reduced indoor air quality and cause various health issues, thus their concentration must be managed. Air cleaning is one of the most viable technological options for reducing quantities of indoor air contaminants. This study assesses the effectiveness of a prototype multi-stage air cleaner in reducing bioaerosol particle viability and concentrations. The single-pass type unit consisted of non-thermal plasma (NTP), ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation, bipolar ionization (BI), and electrostatic precipitation (ESP) stages. The device was tested under controlled laboratory conditions using Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Lactobacillus casei (Gram-positive) bacteria aerosol at varying airflow rates (50–600 m3/h). The device achieved over 99% inactivation efficiency for both bacterial strains at the lowest airflow rate (50 m3/h). Efficiency declined with increasing airflow rates but remained above 94% at the highest flow rate (600 m3/h). Among the individual stages, NTP demonstrated the highest standalone inactivation efficiency, followed by UV-C and BI. The ESP stage effectively captured inactivated bioaerosol particles, preventing re-emission, while an integrated ozone decomposition unit maintained ozone concentrations below safety thresholds. These findings show the potential of multi-stage air cleaning technology for reducing bioaerosol contamination in indoor environments, with applications in healthcare, public spaces, and residential settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2025)
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16 pages, 66642 KiB  
Article
Counterintuitive Particle Confinement in a Helical Force-Free Plasma
by Adam D. Light, Hariharan Srinivasulu, Christopher J. Hansen and Michael R. Brown
Plasma 2025, 8(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma8020020 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 771
Abstract
The force-free magnetic field solution formed in a high-aspect ratio cylinder is a non-axisymmetric (m=1), closed magnetic structure that can be produced in laboratory experiments. Force-free equilibria can have strong field gradients that break the usual adiabatic invariants associated [...] Read more.
The force-free magnetic field solution formed in a high-aspect ratio cylinder is a non-axisymmetric (m=1), closed magnetic structure that can be produced in laboratory experiments. Force-free equilibria can have strong field gradients that break the usual adiabatic invariants associated with particle motion, and gyroradii at measured conditions can be large relative to the gradient scale lengths of the magnetic field. Individual particle motion is largely unexplored in force-free systems without axisymmetry, and it is unclear how the large gradients influence confinement. To understand more about how particles remain confined in these configurations, we simulate a thermal distribution of protons moving in a high-aspect-ratio force-free magnetic field using a Boris stepper. The particle loss is logarithmic in time, which suggests trapping and/or periodic orbits. Many particles do remain confined in particular regions of the field, analogous to trapped particles in other magnetic configurations. Some closed flux surfaces can be identified, but particle orbits are not necessarily described by these surfaces. We show examples of orbits that remain on well-defined surfaces and discuss the statistical properties of confined and escaping particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2025)
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15 pages, 4724 KiB  
Article
Absorption of FD-150 in Brain Endothelial Cells by Cold Atmospheric Microplasma
by Md Jahangir Alam, Abubakar Hamza Sadiq, Jaroslav Kristof, Mahedi Hasan, Farhana Begum, Yamano Tomoki and Kazuo Shimizu
Plasma 2025, 8(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma8020019 - 12 May 2025
Viewed by 695
Abstract
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) limits drug delivery to the brain, particularly for large or hydrophilic molecules. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEND.3), which form part of the BBB, play a critical role in regulating drug uptake. This study investigates the use of cold atmospheric [...] Read more.
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) limits drug delivery to the brain, particularly for large or hydrophilic molecules. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (bEND.3), which form part of the BBB, play a critical role in regulating drug uptake. This study investigates the use of cold atmospheric microplasma (CAM) to enhance membrane permeability and facilitate drug delivery in bEND.3 cells. CAM generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that modulate membrane properties. We exposed bEND.3 cells to CAM at varying voltages (3, 3.5, 4, and 4.5 kV) and measured drug uptake using the fluorescent drug FD-150, fluorescence intensity, ROS levels, membrane lipid order, and membrane potential. The results showed a significant increase in fluorescence intensity and drug concentration in the plasma-treated cells compared to controls. ROS production, measured by DCFH-DA staining, was higher in the plasma-treated cells, supporting the hypothesis that CAM enhances membrane permeability through ROS-induced changes. Membrane lipid order, assessed using the LipiORDER probe, shifted from the liquid-ordered (Lo) to liquid-disordered (Ld) phase, indicating increased membrane fluidity. Membrane depolarization was detected with DisBAC2(3) dye, showing increased fluorescence in the plasma-treated cells. Cell viability, assessed by trypan blue and LIVE/DEAD™ assays, revealed transient damage at higher voltages (≥4 kV), with recovery after 24 h. These results suggest that CAM enhances drug delivery in bEND.3 cells by modulating membrane properties via ROS production and changes in membrane potential. CAM offers a promising strategy for improving drug delivery to the brain, with potential applications in brain-targeted therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2025)
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14 pages, 488 KiB  
Article
A Theoretical Study of the Ionization States and Electrical Conductivity of Tantalum Plasma
by Shi Chen, Qishuo Zhang, Qianyi Feng, Ziyue Yu, Jingyi Mai, Hongping Zhang, Lili Huang, Chengjin Huang and Mu Li
Plasma 2025, 8(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma8020016 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 645
Abstract
Tantalum is extensively used in inertial confinement fusion research for targets in radiation transport experiments, hohlraums in magnetized fusion experiments, and lining foams for hohlraums to suppress wall motions. To comprehend the physical processes associated with these applications, detailed information regarding the ionization [...] Read more.
Tantalum is extensively used in inertial confinement fusion research for targets in radiation transport experiments, hohlraums in magnetized fusion experiments, and lining foams for hohlraums to suppress wall motions. To comprehend the physical processes associated with these applications, detailed information regarding the ionization composition and electrical conductivity of tantalum plasma across a wide range of densities and temperatures is essential. In this study, we calculate the densities of ionization species and the electrical conductivity of partially ionized, nonideal tantalum plasma based on a simplified theoretical model that accounts for high ionization states up to the atomic number of the element and the lowering of ionization energies. A comparison of the ionization compositions between tantalum and copper plasmas highlights the significant role of ionization energies in determining species populations. Additionally, the average electron–neutral momentum transfer cross-section significantly influences the electrical conductivity calculations, and calibration with experimental measurements offers a method for estimating this atomic parameter. The impact of electrical conductivity in the intermediate-density range on the laser absorption coefficient is discussed using the Drude model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2025)
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15 pages, 3975 KiB  
Article
Decomposition Mechanisms of Lignin-Related Aromatic Monomers in Solution Plasma
by Takaki Miyamoto, Jeanielle Amurao, Eiji Minami and Haruo Kawamoto
Plasma 2025, 8(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma8020014 - 10 Apr 2025
Viewed by 854
Abstract
Lignin is a natural aromatic macromolecule present in wood and an abundant resource on Earth, yet it is hardly used. In this study, an aqueous solution plasma treatment was investigated for the catalyst-free production of valuable chemicals from lignin. To elucidate the decomposition [...] Read more.
Lignin is a natural aromatic macromolecule present in wood and an abundant resource on Earth, yet it is hardly used. In this study, an aqueous solution plasma treatment was investigated for the catalyst-free production of valuable chemicals from lignin. To elucidate the decomposition mechanism, the aqueous solution plasma treatment was applied to the fundamental lignin aromatic model compounds—phenol, guaiacol, and syringol. The results showed that the decomposition rate followed the order syringol > guaiacol > phenol, indicating that electron-donating methoxy groups enhance reactivity. These aromatic model compounds underwent hydroxylation at the ortho and para positions, oxidative ring cleavage, and fragmentation, leading to the formation of various dicarboxylic acids, primarily oxalic acid. All these reactions were promoted by hydroxyl radicals generated from water. Ultimately, decarbonylation and decarboxylation of carboxyl groups resulted in gasification, mainly producing H2, CO, and CO2. These results provide fundamental insights into lignin decomposition and demonstrate that aqueous solution plasma is a promising method for producing dicarboxylic acids from lignin under mild conditions without catalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2025)
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17 pages, 13969 KiB  
Article
Combined Plasma and Laser Heating of Graphite
by Aleksey Chaplygin, Mikhail Yakimov, Sergey Vasil’evskii, Mikhail Kotov, Ilya Lukomskii, Semen Galkin, Andrey Shemyakin, Nikolay Solovyov and Anatoly Kolesnikov
Plasma 2025, 8(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/plasma8010009 - 4 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1500
Abstract
This paper investigates a novel combined laser and plasma heating test technique. Integrating the 1.5 kW Raycus RFL-C1500 laser source into the VGU-4 Inductively Coupled Plasma Facility (IPMech RAS) allowed the study of fine-grain MPG-7 graphite ablation in the high-temperature range from 2920 [...] Read more.
This paper investigates a novel combined laser and plasma heating test technique. Integrating the 1.5 kW Raycus RFL-C1500 laser source into the VGU-4 Inductively Coupled Plasma Facility (IPMech RAS) allowed the study of fine-grain MPG-7 graphite ablation in the high-temperature range from 2920 to 3865 K under exposure to subsonic nitrogen plasma flow and combined exposure to nitrogen plasma flow and laser irradiation. Graphite nitridation and sublimation were observed. The subsonic nitrogen plasma flow was characterized by numerical modeling, probes, and spectral measurements. The proposed experimental approach is promising for simulating the entry conditions of planetary mission vehicles into different atmospheres. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Plasma Sciences 2025)
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