Application of Non-thermal Plasmas in Medicine and Energy-Food-Water

Abstract

Non-thermal plasma (NTP) due to their versatile nature have been successfully used in many applications ranging from hydrocarbon destruction to cancer treatment. The NTPs, can deliver high electron temperatures and high densities of radicals at near ambient conditions making it a unique source for applications ranging from treatment of extremely heat sensitive surfaces to complex chemical reactions which are feasible only at low temperatures. This work presents some of the recent understandings on how various NTP reactors can be designed and characterized for various applications. The results obtained from a pin-to-water plasma discharge system, in generating plasma activated water for agricultural applications are discussed. The application of NTPs in hydrocarbon reforming to obtain a tar-free gas from a waste to energy thermo-chemical process is discussed. The results of selective killing of cancer cells using a DBD is presented. Also, application of NTPs in wastewater treatment systems to treat household chemical products are presented.