Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Technologies and Applications

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Chemical Processes and Systems".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2024) | Viewed by 13665

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Plasma Technology Laboratory, Clean&Circle Center of Competence, University of Sofia, BG-1111 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: plasma physics; plasma modelling; microwave discharges; surface-wave-sustained plasma; plasma technology; biomedical, environmental and agro plasma applications

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Guest Editor
Department of Physical and Consumer Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
Interests: plasma jets; physics; diagnostics and applications of plasma jets

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, a large variety of plasma sources operating at atmospheric pressure have been developed. The ability of such sources to produce non-thermal (non-equilibrium) plasma with electron temperatures much higher than the temperatures of heavy particles (which can vary from room temperature to several thousand kelvins), opens up a wide research field for plasma applications in areas such as biology, medicine, agriculture, environmental protection and pollutant reduction. Plasma technology is gaining great attention as a “green” alternative, reducing the use of chemicals in many processes such as nanomaterials synthesis, surface treatment, disinfection, wound healing, and seeds decontamination. Since plasma is a complex system of charged particles (electrons and ions), chemically highly reactive radicals, excited atoms, and electromagnetic radiation including UV, the synergetic action of all these components makes plasma-based processes highly efficient and “clean” at the same time.

This Special Issue focuses on recent advances in atmospheric pressure plasma technologies and applications. You are invited to submit cutting-edge research, theoretical and experimental studies, as well as comprehensive reviews in this field.

Dr. Evgenia Benova
Prof. Dr. Frantisek Krcma
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • atmospheric pressure plasma
  • plasma technology
  • plasma applications
  • cold atmospheric pressure plasma
  • bio-medical plasma applications
  • plasma in agriculture
  • plasma technology in nanomaterials
  • plasmas with liquids

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 4308 KiB  
Article
Microwave Plasma-Driven Synthesis of Graphene and N-Graphene at a Gram Scale
by Neli Bundaleska, Edgar Felizardo, Ana Dias, Ana Maria Ferraria, Ana Maria Botelho do Rego, Janez Zavašnik, Uros Cvelbar, Miroslav Abrashev, Jivko Kissovski, Amélia Almeida, Luís Lemos Alves, Bruno Gonçalves and Elena Tatarova
Processes 2025, 13(1), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010196 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1048
Abstract
The large-scale microwave plasma synthesis of graphene and nitrogen-doped graphene with tailored structural properties, crucial for their successful usage applications, has been demonstrated. The developed atmospheric pressure plasma method offers several advantages, including the continuous production of high-quality, free-standing graphene without the use [...] Read more.
The large-scale microwave plasma synthesis of graphene and nitrogen-doped graphene with tailored structural properties, crucial for their successful usage applications, has been demonstrated. The developed atmospheric pressure plasma method offers several advantages, including the continuous production of high-quality, free-standing graphene without the use of chemicals, solvents, catalysts, or additional heating. This non-toxic process eliminates the need for vacuum systems while achieving high temperatures. The method enables the precise control over graphene’s properties, such as the layer number, defects, sheet size, uniformity, and functionality, as well as the doping type and configuration, by adjusting the plasma parameters. Protocols for the synthesis of specific nanostructures with a controlled structural quality, production rate, and chemical composition have been established using methane and methylamine as precursors. The comprehensive physicochemical characterization of the graphene and nitrogen-doped graphene was carried out using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Technologies and Applications)
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14 pages, 4023 KiB  
Article
Development and Characterization of a Novel Microwave Plasma Source for Enhanced Healing in Wound Treatment
by Todor Bogdanov, Maria Simeonova, Lubomir Traikov, Todor Hikov, Andrey Petrov, Dimitar Peychinov, Dimitar Bakalov, Zafer Sabit, Radka Tafradjiiska-Hadjiolova and Rene Mileva
Processes 2024, 12(7), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071501 - 17 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1104
Abstract
Our study explores the potential of a novel microwave plasma source for enhancing wound healing in BALB-C mouse models. Chronic wounds, particularly in diabetic individuals, present significant challenges due to impaired regenerative capacity. Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) has emerged as a promising approach, [...] Read more.
Our study explores the potential of a novel microwave plasma source for enhancing wound healing in BALB-C mouse models. Chronic wounds, particularly in diabetic individuals, present significant challenges due to impaired regenerative capacity. Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) has emerged as a promising approach, offering diverse therapeutic benefits. However, its specific efficacy in the context of diabetic wounds remains underexplored. We developed and characterized a microwave plasma source optimized for wound treatment, inducing acute wounds and treating them with CAP in a controlled experimental setup. The treated group exhibited accelerated wound closure compared to controls, suggesting CAP’s potential to enhance the healing process. Our findings underscore CAP’s multifaceted impact on the wound healing cascade, highlighting its ability to promote angiogenesis, modulate inflammatory responses, and exhibit antimicrobial properties. These results position CAP as a promising intervention in acute wound management, paving the way for further exploration of its therapeutic potential in clinical settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Technologies and Applications)
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30 pages, 8375 KiB  
Article
Fluid Modeling of a Non-Thermal Plasma with Dielectric Barrier Discharge and Argon as a Diluent Gas
by Cristina Mas-Peiro, Fèlix Llovell and Josep O. Pou
Processes 2024, 12(7), 1405; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071405 - 5 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1927
Abstract
Non-thermal plasma (NTP) conversion applications have become an emerging technology of increasing global interest due to their particular ability to perform at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. This study focuses on a specific case of a dielectric barrier discharge NTP reactor for carbon [...] Read more.
Non-thermal plasma (NTP) conversion applications have become an emerging technology of increasing global interest due to their particular ability to perform at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. This study focuses on a specific case of a dielectric barrier discharge NTP reactor for carbon dioxide conversion with the usage of argon as diluent gas. The plasma computations in COMSOL® Multiphysics are compared to experimental results and coupled with previous thermodynamic characterization of argon species and fluid dynamic calculations. The model is defined as a time-dependent study with a 2D-Geometry of pure argon, with both fluid flow and plasma phenomena. Firstly, the model showcases an accurate understanding of the plasma physics involved, in the form of electron density, excited argon, argon ions, and mean electron energy. It also allows a direct comparison of the velocity, vorticity, pressure, and dynamic viscosity results with fluid flow computations. Secondly, the impact of several variables is studied, notably the inlet volumetric rate, dielectric barrier thickness and material, and reactor length. Limitations in the plasma characterization can occur by not including packed material or all relevant species in experimental CO2 conversion and their respective reactions, which should be aimed at in future contributions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Technologies and Applications)
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18 pages, 2147 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effect of Plasma-Activated Water with Micro/Nanobubbles, Ultraviolet Photolysis, and Ultrasonication on Enhanced Escherichia coli Inactivation in Chicken Meat
by Kochakon Moonsub, Phisit Seesuriyachan, Dheerawan Boonyawan and Wassanai Wattanutchariya
Processes 2024, 12(3), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12030567 - 13 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2606
Abstract
The use of integrated plasma-activated water (PAW) with micro/nanobubbles (MNBs), ultraviolet (UV) photolysis, and ultrasonication (US) for the synergistic efficiency of Escherichia coli inactivation in chicken meat was investigated. A 2k factorial design was employed to optimize the combined treatment parameters for [...] Read more.
The use of integrated plasma-activated water (PAW) with micro/nanobubbles (MNBs), ultraviolet (UV) photolysis, and ultrasonication (US) for the synergistic efficiency of Escherichia coli inactivation in chicken meat was investigated. A 2k factorial design was employed to optimize the combined treatment parameters for pathogen disinfection in Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques. Its effectiveness was evaluated based on electrical conductivity (EC), oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and E. coli inactivation. The most significant impact on E. coli reduction was observed for MNBs, UV treatment time, and their interaction (MNBs and UV). Optimal E. coli inactivation (6 log10 CFU/mL reduction) was achieved by combining PAW with MNB and UV for 10 and 20 min, respectively. Integrating PAW with appropriate supplementary technologies enhanced E. coli inactivation by 97% compared to PAW alone. This novel approach provides a promising alternative for pathogen control in chicken meat, potentially improving food safety and shelf life in the poultry industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Technologies and Applications)
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14 pages, 3248 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Low-Temperature Microwave Plasma on Wound Regeneration in Diabetic Rats
by Todor Bogdanov, Plamena Marinova, Lubomir Traikov, Pavlina Gateva, Theophil Sedloev, Andrey Petrov, Vlayko Vodenicharov, Rosen Georgiev, Dimitar Bakalov, Zafer Sabit, Radka Tafradjiiska-Hadjiolova and Todor Hikov
Processes 2023, 11(12), 3399; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11123399 - 10 Dec 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1679
Abstract
Impaired wound healing in diabetic individuals presents a significant clinical challenge, and this study explores the impact of low-temperature microwave plasma in an argon atmosphere, a type of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), on wound regeneration in diabetic rats. The findings reveal that this [...] Read more.
Impaired wound healing in diabetic individuals presents a significant clinical challenge, and this study explores the impact of low-temperature microwave plasma in an argon atmosphere, a type of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), on wound regeneration in diabetic rats. The findings reveal that this CAP treatment accelerates wound regeneration in diabetic rats, promoting faster wound closure, reducing inflammation, and enhancing critical regenerative processes such as angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Additionally, CAP exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the immune response towards a pro-regenerative state. These results underscore the potential of CAP in diabetic wound care, offering a promising approach to address delayed wound healing in diabetic patients and potentially improving the quality of life for those with chronic diabetic wounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Technologies and Applications)
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18 pages, 11216 KiB  
Article
Effects of Surface-Wave-Sustained Argon Plasma Torch Interaction with Liquids
by Plamena Marinova, Evgenia Benova, Yana Topalova, Yovana Todorova, Todor Bogdanov, Maya Zhekova, Ivaylo Yotinov and Frantisek Krcma
Processes 2023, 11(12), 3313; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11123313 - 28 Nov 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1614
Abstract
In this paper, an investigation of the interaction of a surface-wave-sustained argon plasma torch with liquids is presented. The plasma is produced by an electromagnetic wave traveling along the plasma–dielectric interface, and at the same time, the plasma is a part of this [...] Read more.
In this paper, an investigation of the interaction of a surface-wave-sustained argon plasma torch with liquids is presented. The plasma is produced by an electromagnetic wave traveling along the plasma–dielectric interface, and at the same time, the plasma is a part of this waveguide structure. Because the interaction of the plasma torch with water (liquid) results in modifications of the properties of both the treated water and the plasma itself, a detailed study of the effects in both media is required. The results of the experimental investigation of a surface-wave-sustained argon plasma torch interaction with liquids show significant changes in the plasma parameters, such as the electron excitation temperature Te and the average rotation temperature Trot. In addition, mechanical waves are produced both in the meniscus surface and in the plasma torch by the interaction between the plasma torch (ionized gas with charged particles and electric field) and the liquid surface, which is different from the effects produced by a neutral gas jet on a liquid surface. As a result of the plasma–water interaction, the water’s chemical and physical characteristics, such as the water conductivity, pH, and H2O2 concentration, are modified. As a possible application for water purification, the performed SWD treatment of model wastewater shows a significant variation in nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, and COD (chemical oxygen demand) concentration as a result of the treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Technologies and Applications)
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17 pages, 11731 KiB  
Article
Comparison of the Bacterial Inactivation Efficiency of Water Activated by a Plasma Jet Source and a Pin-to-Pin Electrode Configuration Source
by Radovan Čobanović, Dejan Maletić, Sunčica Kocić-Tanackov, Ivana Čabarkapa, Bojana Kokić, Predrag Kojić, Slobodan Milošević, Višnja Stulić, Tomislava Vukušić Pavičić and Milan Vukić
Processes 2023, 11(12), 3286; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11123286 - 24 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1992
Abstract
In this comparative study, the bacterial inactivation efficiency of plasma-activated water (PAW) generated by two distinct plasma reactors, one utilizing a nitrogen plasma jet electrode and the other a hybrid argon plasma reactor, was explored. The present study involved the assessment of antimicrobial [...] Read more.
In this comparative study, the bacterial inactivation efficiency of plasma-activated water (PAW) generated by two distinct plasma reactors, one utilizing a nitrogen plasma jet electrode and the other a hybrid argon plasma reactor, was explored. The present study involved the assessment of antimicrobial activity against suspensions of three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacterial strains in their planktonic cell state. Bacterial suspensions were introduced into PAW five days after generation. Subsequently, the viability of the bacteria was assessed at various time intervals, specifically at 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 10, and 24 h, in order to evaluate the effect of inactivation. Structural changes in bacteria after PAW treatment were assessed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The physicochemical properties of PAW, including pH, conductivity, and concentrations of H2O2, NO2, and NO3 during aging were measured. The present study demonstrated the effective inactivation of the tested bacterial strains by PAW. Gram-positive bacteria displayed greater resistance compared to Gram-negative species, with the lowest reductions in bacterial counts observed for B. cereus, and the highest for Escherichia coli O157:H7. Morphological damage was evident across all bacterial species examined. Physicochemical measurements showed slow decay of the reactive species in the aging process. This study illustrated the potential utility of PAW as an alternative disinfectant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Technologies and Applications)
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