White paper on the future of plasma science in environment, for gas conversion and agriculture

Abstract

Climate change, environmental pollution control, and resource utilization efficiency, as well as food security, sustainable agriculture, and water supply are among the main challenges facing society today. Expertise across different academic fields, technologies, and disciplines is needed to generate new ideas to meet these challenges. This “white paper” aims to provide a written summary by describing the main aspects and possibilities of the technology. It shows that plasma science and technology can make significant contributions to address the mentioned issues. The paper also addresses to people in the scientific community (inside and outside plasma science) to give inspiration for further work in these fields.

CO2 Decomposition in CO2 and CO2/H2 Spark‐like Plasma Discharges at Atmospheric Pressure

“…This ranged between 54 and 14 depending on the gas residence time. [5,8] The upper range of efficiencies here is found to be comparable to the well optimised and larger volume glidinga rc plasma reactors [9] where both thermal and non-thermalp lasma modes exist as at ransient arc movesb etween aw idening discharge spacing. [5] The gas residence time in DBD reactors is, however,t ypically on the order of several seconds.…”

“…[8] In this case, a1 00 Hz pulsing frequency is applied to pulse the alternating kHz voltage supplied. The appliedv oltage and current characteristics of the spark reactor are shown in Figure1.I fc ontinually powered, the discharge heats excessively,m aintains al arge continuous current and eventually transforms into an arc.…”

“…An arrow (< 1 ms) currents park/ pulse ( % 1A)i nitiates the gas breakdown and signifies the initial streamer propagationa tt he first voltage half cycle. [8] Conversion in flows of pure CO 2 AC O 2 conversion spanning 15-8 %i sr ecorded for flowsr anging between 25-100 mL min À1 (see Figure 2top). This spark-glow hybrid discharge shows similarities to an atmospherica ir plasma reported recently by Pavloviche tal.…”

“…[29] Fe-based catalysts of current research interest show activation energies in the range 40-70kJmol À1 . [8] The unique properties of the "non-thermal" or "non-equilibrium" plasma state enablea small fraction of low mass electrons in ag as to be heated, providing chemical activity "thermally" only accessible by using much higher bulk gas temperatures. [8] The unique properties of the "non-thermal" or "non-equilibrium" plasma state enablea small fraction of low mass electrons in ag as to be heated, providing chemical activity "thermally" only accessible by using much higher bulk gas temperatures.…”

Plasma‐assisted deposition of fungicide containing coatings for encapsulation and protection of maize seeds

“…Plasma technologies are based on the use of ionized gases, and impact our everyday life with a huge number of applications and products in the field of microelectronics, semiconductors, polymers, packaging, environment, hygiene, and health, as reported in recent review papers . Non equilibrium (cold) plasma processes allow to modify in great detail the surface composition and properties of materials by means of many different deposition, treatment, and etching processes.…”