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The Applications of Plasma Techniques

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Optics and Lasers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2020) | Viewed by 39414

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Institute of Fluid Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences, Fiszera 14, 80-231 Gdansk, Poland
Interests: development of microwave plasma sources; plasma diagnostics; applications of atmospheric pressure microwave plasmas; application of microwave plasma sources for hydrogen production; application of microwave plasma sources for destruction of harmful gases; application of microwave plasma for treatment of materials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of the journal Applied Sciences is intended to provide a description of devices and processes related to plasma applications in the broad sense. Plasma is called the fourth state of matter because its properties differ significantly from those of gas. Plasma can be defined as a conductive medium generated by the ionization of gas. Thus, it occurs as a mixture of photons, electrons ,and ions, but it can also contain neutral atoms and molecules. The concept of plasma includes media with very different properties. Densities and kinetic energies of plasma components differ for various types of plasma by several or even more orders of magnitude. Hence, plasmas can have very different applications. Nowadays, plasma is very common in everyday life—from ubiquitous discharge lamps to plasma TVs. In technology, plasma is used in areas as diverse as gas purification, surface treatment of materials, and corrective drives for spacecraft. Its use is limited only by the price and availability of electricity. Readers interested in this modern field of science and technology are invited to enjoy this collection of articles, which will certainly excite the curiosity of both scientists and engineers interested in plasma applications. Moreover, the solutions presented may encourage entrepreneurs to implement them. I wish you a pleasant reading.

Prof. Mariusz Jasinski
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • low-pressure plasmas
  • atmospheric pressure plasmas
  • DC and AC electrical discharges
  • corona discharges
  • glow discharges
  • DBD discharges
  • microplasmas
  • gliding arc discharges
  • RF electrical discharges
  • microwave discharges
  • plasma coating and treatment of surfaces
  • plasma treatment of gases
  • discharges in and on liquids
  • plasmas in biomedical applications
  • plasmas in nanotechnology
  • characterization of plasma devices
  • displays and lamps
  • advanced and novel plasma technologies and sources
  • other issues related to the applications of plasma techniques

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 192 KiB  
Editorial
The Applications of Plasma Techniques
by Mariusz Jasiński
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010092 - 21 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1031
Abstract
This Special Issue “The Applications of Plasma Techniques” in the section “Optics and Lasers” of the journal Applied Sciences intends to provide a description of plasmas, plasma devices and processes related to plasma applications in a broad sense [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)

Research

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10 pages, 1875 KiB  
Article
Structural Tunable Plasma Photonic Crystals in Dielectric Barrier Discharge
by Kuangya Gao, Yueqiang Liang, Chengyu Liu, Yafeng He, Weili Fan and Fucheng Liu
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(16), 5572; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10165572 - 12 Aug 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2417
Abstract
We demonstrate a kind of structural tunable plasma photonic crystal in a dielectric barrier discharge by self-organization of the plasma filaments. The symmetry, the lattice constant and the orientations of different plasma photonic crystals can be deliberately controlled by changing the applied voltage. [...] Read more.
We demonstrate a kind of structural tunable plasma photonic crystal in a dielectric barrier discharge by self-organization of the plasma filaments. The symmetry, the lattice constant and the orientations of different plasma photonic crystals can be deliberately controlled by changing the applied voltage. The plasma structures can be tuned from a square lattice to a triangular lattice, the lattice constant is reduced and the crystal orientation varies π6 when the applied voltage is increased. The band diagrams of the plasma photonic crystals under a transverse-magnetic wave have been studied, which shows that the positions and sizes of the band gaps change significantly for different plasma structures. We suggest a flexible way for the fabrication of tunable plasma photonic crystals, which may find wide application in the manipulation of microwaves or terahertz waves. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)
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16 pages, 5062 KiB  
Article
Numerical 3D Modeling: Microwave Plasma Torch at Intermediate Pressure
by Qinghao Shen, Run Huang, Zili Xu and Wei Hua
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(15), 5393; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10155393 - 4 Aug 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5451
Abstract
This study represents a self-consistent three-dimensional (3D) fluid plasma model coupled with Maxwell equations at an intermediate pressure between 1000 and 5000 Pa. The model was established using the finite element method to analyze the effects of time–space characteristics, which is the variation [...] Read more.
This study represents a self-consistent three-dimensional (3D) fluid plasma model coupled with Maxwell equations at an intermediate pressure between 1000 and 5000 Pa. The model was established using the finite element method to analyze the effects of time–space characteristics, which is the variation of plasma parameters with time and the 3D spatial distribution of plasma parameters in the plasma torch at various times. The numerical modeling was demonstrated in three different stages, where the growth of electron density is associated with time. From the distribution characteristics of molecular ions, it can be concluded that they are distributed mainly at the port of the quartz tube of the torch, which is larger than the center of the tube. The density ratio of molecular ion to electron is decreased because of the reduction of pressure and distance, which has been calculated from the port to the center of the quartz tube. The analysis of microwave plasma parameters indicated that intermediate pressure is useful for modeling and plasma source designing, especially for carbon dioxide conversion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)
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18 pages, 18320 KiB  
Article
Axial Plasma Spraying of Mixed Suspensions: A Case Study on Processing, Characteristics, and Tribological Behavior of Al2O3-YSZ Coatings
by Sneha Goel, Stefan Björklund, Nicholas Curry, Sivakumar Govindarajan, Urban Wiklund, Caterina Gaudiuso and Shrikant Joshi
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(15), 5140; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10155140 - 27 Jul 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3787
Abstract
Thermal spraying deploying liquid feedstock offers an exciting opportunity to obtain coatings with characteristics vastly different from those produced using conventional spray-grade powders. The most extensively investigated variant of this technique is Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS), which utilizes a suspension of fine powders [...] Read more.
Thermal spraying deploying liquid feedstock offers an exciting opportunity to obtain coatings with characteristics vastly different from those produced using conventional spray-grade powders. The most extensively investigated variant of this technique is Suspension Plasma Spraying (SPS), which utilizes a suspension of fine powders in an appropriate medium. The relatively recent advent of axial feed capable plasma spray systems can enable higher throughputs during SPS, provides the possibility for spraying with longer stand-off distances, and also permit the use of suspensions with higher solid loading. The present work investigates axial plasma sprayed coatings produced using a mixed suspension of fine (submicron or nano-sized) powders of Al2O3 and YSZ as a case study. Deposition of the mixed suspension using axial injection plasma spraying, comprehensive evaluation of characteristics of the resulting coatings, and assessment of their tribological behavior were of particular interest. Evaluation of surface morphology, microstructure, and hardness of the coatings reveals that axial SPS of mixed suspensions provides an exciting pathway to realize finely structured multi-constituent coatings using suspensions with as high as 40 wt.% solid loading. The study of scratch, dry sliding wear, and erosion behavior also specifically shows that the addition of YSZ in the Al2O3 matrix can improve the tribological properties of the coating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)
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8 pages, 2385 KiB  
Article
A Gliding Arc Microreactor Power Supply System Based on Push–Pull Converter Topology
by Piotr Krupski and Henryka Danuta Stryczewska
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(11), 3989; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10113989 - 9 Jun 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3395
Abstract
The era of evolution in power electronic systems has led to a widespread displacement of power supplies operating at mains frequencies. Switched-mode power inverters offer possibilities incomparably higher than mains transformers. These trends have also entered into plasma technologies, including GlidArc plasma processing. [...] Read more.
The era of evolution in power electronic systems has led to a widespread displacement of power supplies operating at mains frequencies. Switched-mode power inverters offer possibilities incomparably higher than mains transformers. These trends have also entered into plasma technologies, including GlidArc plasma processing. The article presents the use of an inverter power supply for a miniaturized GlidArc. It is a demonstration of using a push–pull topology in an unusual application. A special part is devoted to parasitic phenomena in the inverter and the implementation of switching overvoltages as a way of improving the ignition parameters of the power supply. The results of the tests with a plasma reactor in air conditions as a process gas are also presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)
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10 pages, 3217 KiB  
Article
Chosen Aspects of the Electromagnetic Compatibility of Plasma Reactors with Gliding Arc Discharges
by Paweł Mazurek
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(11), 3789; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10113789 - 29 May 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2674
Abstract
This paper presents an analysis of electromagnetic disturbance interactions inside the three-phase gliding arc plasma generation installation. This is the main part of the electromagnetic compatibility analysis of the reactor installation. All elements of the nonthermal plasma installation are described from the point [...] Read more.
This paper presents an analysis of electromagnetic disturbance interactions inside the three-phase gliding arc plasma generation installation. This is the main part of the electromagnetic compatibility analysis of the reactor installation. All elements of the nonthermal plasma installation are described from the point of view of disturbance generation and their influence on the power supply system. The analysis is based on the results of tests carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Directive and harmonised standards. The disturbances measured are large, over 20 dB above the limits. The disturbances measured allow valid conclusions to be reached in relation to this type of installation. The implication is the need for plasma reactors designed with elements that reduce radiated and conducted interference. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)
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14 pages, 14483 KiB  
Article
Operating Problems of Arc Plasma Reactors Powered by AC/DC/AC Converters
by Grzegorz Komarzyniec and Michał Aftyka
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(9), 3295; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10093295 - 9 May 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2941
Abstract
The scientific objective was to investigate the cooperation of three-electrode plasma reactors with gliding arc discharge powered from multi-phase AC/DC/AC converters. In order to achieve the scientific and practical goal of the project, a test stand was designed and built, which included: a [...] Read more.
The scientific objective was to investigate the cooperation of three-electrode plasma reactors with gliding arc discharge powered from multi-phase AC/DC/AC converters. In order to achieve the scientific and practical goal of the project, a test stand was designed and built, which included: a multi-electrode GlidArc type plasma reactor; a power-electronic AC/DC/AC converter, working as a source of voltage or current with regulated parameters of energy transferred to the discharge space; reactor operation diagnostics systems; and a process gas feeding and flow control system. The GlidArc Plasma Reactor has shown high sensitivity to changes in many electrical as well as gas chemical, gas-dynamic and mechanical parameters. The AC/DC/AC converter turned out to be a system sensitive to interference generated by the plasma reactor. It can be noticed that the operation of the reactor in certain conditions causes bigger interferences of the converter. However, it is difficult to systematise the influence of particular parameters of the reactor’s operation on the operation of the AC/DC/AC converter and vice versa due to mutual correlations of many parameters. The correct operation of a plasma reactor depends on the characteristics of the power supply system; on the other hand, the power supply system reacts to such an untypical receiver as a plasma reactor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)
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14 pages, 4419 KiB  
Article
Tar Removal by Nanosecond Pulsed Dielectric Barrier Discharge
by Mirosław Dors and Daria Kurzyńska
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(3), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10030991 - 3 Feb 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3373
Abstract
Plasma-catalytic reforming of simulated biomass tar composed of naphthalene, toluene, and benzene was carried out in a coaxial plasma reactor supplied with nanosecond high-voltage pulses. The effect of Rh-LaCoO3/Al2O3 and Ni/Al2O3 catalysts covering high-voltage electrode [...] Read more.
Plasma-catalytic reforming of simulated biomass tar composed of naphthalene, toluene, and benzene was carried out in a coaxial plasma reactor supplied with nanosecond high-voltage pulses. The effect of Rh-LaCoO3/Al2O3 and Ni/Al2O3 catalysts covering high-voltage electrode on the tar conversion efficiency was evaluated. Compared to the plasma reaction without a catalyst, the combination of plasma with the catalyst significantly enhanced the conversion of all three tar components, achieving complete conversion when an Rh-based catalyst was used. Apart from gaseous and liquid samples, char samples taken at five locations inside the reactor were also analyzed for their chemical composition. Char was not formed when the Rh-based catalyst was used. Different by-products were detected for the plasma reactor without a catalyst, with the Ni- and Rh-based catalysts. A possible reaction pathway in the plasma-catalytic process for naphthalene, as the most complex compound, was proposed through the combined analysis of liquid and solid products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)
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8 pages, 2875 KiB  
Article
Plasma Electrolysis Spraying Al2O3 Coating onto Quartz Fiber Fabric for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Stability
by Aiming Bu, Yongfu Zhang, Yan Xiang, Yunjie Yang, Weiwei Chen, Huanwu Cheng and Lu Wang
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(2), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10020702 - 19 Jan 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2971
Abstract
This manuscript reported the synthesis of Al2O3 coating onto quartz fiber fabric by plasma electrolysis spray for enhanced thermal conductivity and stability. The nano- and micro-sized clusters were partially observed on the coating, while most coating was relatively smooth. It [...] Read more.
This manuscript reported the synthesis of Al2O3 coating onto quartz fiber fabric by plasma electrolysis spray for enhanced thermal conductivity and stability. The nano- and micro-sized clusters were partially observed on the coating, while most coating was relatively smooth. It was suggested that the formation of a ceramic coating was followed as the nucleation-growth raw, that is, the formation of the coating clusters was dependent on the fast grow-up partially, implying the inhomogeneous energy distribution in the electrolysis plasma. The deposition of the Al2O3 coating increased the tensile strength from 19.2 to 58.1 MPa. The thermal conductivity of the coated quartz fiber was measured to be 1.17 W m−1 K−1, increased by ~45% compared to the bare fiber. The formation mechanism of the Al2O3 coating was preliminarily discussed. The thermally conductive quartz fiber with high thermal stability by plasma electrolysis spray will be widely used in flexible thermal shielding and insulation materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)
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Review

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38 pages, 5411 KiB  
Review
Probing Collisional Plasmas with MCRS: Opportunities and Challenges
by Bart Platier, Tim Staps, Peter Koelman, Marc van der Schans, Job Beckers and Wilbert IJzerman
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(12), 4331; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10124331 - 24 Jun 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4098
Abstract
Since the 1940s, Microwave Cavity Resonance Spectroscopy (MCRS) has been used to investigate a variety of solids, gases, and low-pressure plasmas. Recently, the working terrain of the diagnostic method has been expanded with atmospheric-pressure plasmas. This review discusses the advancements that were required [...] Read more.
Since the 1940s, Microwave Cavity Resonance Spectroscopy (MCRS) has been used to investigate a variety of solids, gases, and low-pressure plasmas. Recently, the working terrain of the diagnostic method has been expanded with atmospheric-pressure plasmas. This review discusses the advancements that were required for this transition and implications of studying highly collisional, with respect to the probing frequencies, plasmas. These developments and implications call for a redefinition of the limitations of MCRS, which also impact studies of low-pressure plasmas using the diagnostic method. Moreover, a large collection of recommendations concerning the approach and its potential for future studies is presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)
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25 pages, 9407 KiB  
Review
Supply Systems of Non-Thermal Plasma Reactors. Construction Review with Examples of Applications
by Henryka Danuta Stryczewska
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(9), 3242; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10093242 - 7 May 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6411
Abstract
A review of the supply systems of non-thermal plasma reactors (NTPR) with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ) and gliding arc discharge (GAD) was performed. This choice is due to the following reasons: these types of electrical discharges produce non-thermal [...] Read more.
A review of the supply systems of non-thermal plasma reactors (NTPR) with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ) and gliding arc discharge (GAD) was performed. This choice is due to the following reasons: these types of electrical discharges produce non-thermal plasma at atmospheric pressure, the reactor design is well developed and relatively simple, the potential area of application is large, especially in environmental protection processes and biotechnologies currently under development, theses reactors can be powered from similar sources using non-linear transformer magnetic circuits and power electronics systems, and finally, these plasma reactors and their power supply systems, as well as their applications are the subject of research conducted by the author of the review and her team from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electrotechnology of the Lublin University of Technology, Poland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Applications of Plasma Techniques)
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