Research

Overview

Low temperature plasmas (LTPs) are partially ionized gases formed by the application of high voltages that contain a range of reactive species including neutral particles, excited states, ions, electrons and radicals. Low temperature means that while electrons are at high temperatures (typically a few to 10 eV with 1 eV=11,600 K), the atoms, molecules and ions of the plasma are typically close to room temperature. LTPs are at the core of many advanced technologies and without them, many of the conveniences of modern society would simply not exist. The applications of LTPs encompass chip manufacturing, electric propulsion, ozone generation, fluorescent lightning, and plasma TV, among others. Recent examples include plasma agriculture, plasma medicine, and decarbonization of industrial processes.

Although we study a range of different plasma systems, our research largely focuses on understanding of processes occurring at interfaces of plasmas and liquids. We are interested in investigations of physical and chemical mechanisms by which excited radical species and electrons produced by electrical plasmas induce chemical changes in liquids and thus exploit plasma chemistry for treatment of different aqueous contaminants in various water matrices including PFAS (poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances). We are similarly interested in the identification of oxidation byproducts and degradation pathways for a range of legacy and emerging contaminants.