Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
S. Kawaguchi, K. Takahashi, K. Satoh
Summary: A proposed electron collision cross section set for N-2 is calculated using Monte Carlo method with consideration of anisotropic inelastic electron scattering. The reliability of the set is verified by comparing calculated and measured electron transport coefficients. It is found that electron transport coefficients in N-2 are significantly influenced by anisotropic electron scattering as E/N values increase.
PLASMA SOURCES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Banglei Zhao, Le Wang, Yao Xu, Xianyu Li
Summary: This study prepared He-charged Cu films at room temperature using direct current magnetron sputtering in a He/Ar mixed atmosphere. Morphological changes, He desorption behaviors, and He bubble evolution of the films were investigated through scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy after annealing treatments. The results showed the formation of blisters and pinholes on the surface and cross-section of the films, as well as the growth of nano-sized He bubbles with increasing annealing temperature.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Wang, Liwen Zhang, Yurun Guo, Yang Gan, Guang Liu, Deyuan Zhang, Huawei Chen
Summary: This study introduces a novel concept of underwater adhesion inspired by diving beetles, using air bubbles as adhesives for nondestructive and repeatable adhesion. The design of strong, reusable surface adhesive based on air bubble bridges shows promise in applications of particle manipulation and self-assembly.
Article
Physics, Applied
J. L. Jauberteau, I. Jauberteau
Summary: Broadened hydrogen Balmer lines are observed in a DC glow discharge sustained in Ar-SiH4-N-2 gas mixture. The broadening is caused by the Doppler frequency shift. The translational energy distribution of hydrogen atoms is calculated in different positions and gas mixtures. Multiple components are observed, corresponding to hydrogen dissociation and different reactions in the reactor. The density of hydrogen is influenced by hydrogen desorption and gas recirculation. A new low energy component is observed in the H alpha line profile, potentially related to hydrogen desorption or gas collisions.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jae Kap Jung, Ji Hun Lee, Jin Sub Jang, Nak Kwan Chung, Chang Young Park, Un Bong Baek, Seung Hoon Nahm
Summary: A simple experimental technology is demonstrated for characterizing the gas permeation properties of H-2, He, N-2 and Ar absorbed in polymers. The pressure-dependent gas transport behaviors of the four gases are presented and compared, showing a decrease in diffusivity magnitude according to the kinetic diameter of the gas molecules. Linear correlation between logarithmic solubility and critical temperature of the gas molecule is newly observed.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dorel F. Albu, Jeanina Lungu, Gianina Popescu-Pelin, Cristian N. Mihailescu, Gabriel Socol, Adrian Georgescu, Marcela Socol, Alexandra Banica, Victor Ciupina, Ion N. Mihailescu
Summary: Active TiO2 semiconductor layers were synthesized using pulsed laser deposition under different gas atmospheres, and the morphological and structural characteristics of the TiO2 nanostructures were investigated. It was found that the gas nature played a key role in the deposited film's architecture and overall performance. The photovoltaic structures based on TiO2 coatings grown in He exhibited the best electro-optical performance.
Article
Optics
Valentin Ferrer, Jean-Pierre Gardou, Frederic Marchal, Andre Ricard, Jean-Philippe Sarrette
Summary: The emission spectrum and vibrational intensities of nitrogen and mixtures of nitrogen with noble gases were studied. The relative populations of N-2(B, v') were deduced from recorded spectra and N-atom concentrations were measured. Rate coefficients for N-atom recombination in specific vibronic levels were obtained. The concentrations of N-2(A), N-2(X, v = 12-13) molecules, and N-2(+) ions were also determined.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL D
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Jie Yang, Zhaoquan Chen, Tao Dai, Sile Chen, Weiye Wang, Qingchun Su, Lu Zhang, Bing Wang, Yuming Zhou, Xinpei Lu
Summary: In this study, a dual-channel pulsed microwave coaxial resonant discharge device was constructed to generate atmospheric pressure pulsed microwave He plasma jet and spatially layered He/N-2 plasma jet. The spatiotemporal ionization evolution process of the He/N-2 plasma jet was determined in experiments. These results provide important references for better understanding the physical characteristics of gas plasma jets.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Liancheng Zhang, Qinhai Fu, Shengdi Ding, Kai Liu, Kai Li, Xuming Zhang, Zuchao Zhu, Chenguang Liu, Yanliang Pei
Summary: It is confirmed that spark discharge in saline water can generate violently oscillating bubble, with discharge only occurring at the electrode tips. The polarity of the discharge significantly affects the dynamics of the bubble, with positive polarity generating a larger bubble than negative discharge. The electrolytic effect plays an important role, with additional Cl-2 generated by positive discharge and H-2 by negative discharge being trapped in the bubble. The phenomenon of increased bubble size is more pronounced in bipolar discharge with equal molecular numbers of Cl-2 and H-2, regardless of chemical reactions.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Rasmus Talviste, Peeter Paris, Juri Raud, Toomas Plank, Indrek Jogi
Summary: The study focused on determining the first Townsend ionization coefficient alpha in a gas mixture of He with N-2, showing the dependence of alpha/N on N-2 concentration and reduced electric field strength E/N. Increasing N-2 content reduced alpha/N at E/N values below 200 Td, but increased it at E/N values above 200 Td. The experimental results showed good agreement with calculations using Bolsig+ software, with discrepancies at low N-2 percentages and E/N values attributed to the Penning effect.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Nian-Nian Liu, A-Man Zhang, Pu Cui, Shi-Ping Wang, Shuai Li
Summary: This study experimentally investigates the dynamic properties of underwater explosion (UNDEX) bubble pairs, revealing that UNDEX bubble pairs are more significantly influenced by buoyancy effects and the interaction between bubbles is more complex. The results show that adjusting the delay between two detonations can alter the damage potential of the bubble pair significantly, impacting the morphology and pressure of the bubbles.
Article
Physics, Applied
Rasmus Talviste, Peeter Paris, Juri Raud, Toomas Plank, Kalev Erme, Indrek Jogi
Summary: This study focused on determining the Townsend ionization coefficient alpha in mixtures of Ar with N-2 in a dark non-self-sustaining Townsend discharge. Experimental results showed that the density normalized ionization coefficient alpha/N increased with E/N and decreased with N-2 content in the gas mixture. Comparisons with Bolsig+ calculations revealed that experimental results were lower than predicted when N-2 concentration was between 10% and 50% in the mixture.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Patrick F. Egan, Yuanchao Yang
Summary: An n(p, T-90) measurement suite for helium, argon, and nitrogen is reported, providing data on thermophysical properties of these gases. The methodology involves optical refractive-index gas metrology and covers a specific temperature range and pressure conditions. The results include the effective compressibility of the apparatus, the temperature difference between thermodynamic temperature and ITS-90, and the temperature dependence of polarizability. Additionally, the study derives values of the second density virial coefficient with improved uncertainties compared to previous experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMOPHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
J. Levaton, A. N. Klein, J. Amorim, J. H. F. Severo
Summary: This study focuses on the ionization and ion transfer rates in flowing nitrogen DC discharges and post-discharges. By combining experimental and theoretical analysis, 18 ionization and nine ion transfer mechanisms were studied, revealing the significant role of electron density variation in the rates behavior. The rates observed in the pink afterglow phenomenon were found to be relevant to those in the discharges.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Silvia Tanteri, Sean D. S. Gordon, Junwen Zou, Andreas Osterwalder
Summary: This study investigates the chemi-ionization of Ar, Kr, N-2, H-2, and D-2 by Ne(P-3(2)) and of Ar, Kr, and N-2 by He(S-3(1)) using electron velocity map imaging (e-VMI) in a crossed molecular beam experiment. By controlling the beam velocities of both reactants, collision energies of 60 meV were obtained. The analysis of electron kinetic energy distributions provides insights into the internal state distribution of the ionic reaction products and the influence of vibrational or electronic excitation on the reaction outcome.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Federica Barletta, Nikolay Britun, Christophe Leys, Matteo Gherardi, Rony Snyders, Anton Nikiforov
Summary: This study investigates the key processes in an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet containing Ar and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) through imaging and fluorescence spectroscopy of important discharge radicals. It focuses on the behavior of ground-state radicals' density with respect to applied voltage and Ar/TEOS mixing ratio, providing initial insights on precursor fragmentation mechanisms. The influence of precursor admixture and fragmentation on the kinetics of OH, CH radicals, and atomic oxygen is revealed.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Yijia Song, Qinghua Huang, Chuanlong Ma, Qi Yang, Zhan Shu, Pengfei Liu, Qiang Chen, Anton Nikiforov, Qing Xiong
Summary: A novel sandwich-like plasma device is proposed in this study for engineering superhydrophobic (SH) surfaces, utilizing the coordination of dual power sources to control surface hydrophobicity. The two-stage dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) achieve easy ignition and enhanced stability, as well as fragmentation and dispersion of species and nanoparticles for SH surface fabrication. This study provides insights on a new pathway based on plasma-assisted method for surface engineering and material processing at atmospheric pressure.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiqiang Chen, Jieming Wang, Iuliia Onyshchenko, Yichao Wang, Christophe Leys, Anton Nikiforov, Weiwei Lei
Summary: This study demonstrates a novel approach to synthesizing crystalline-phase SiOC nanoparticles through gas bubble discharge in a liquid environment, providing insights into the formation mechanism and potential for large-scale production of these nanomaterials.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Anton Nikiforov, Chuanlong Ma, Andrei Choukourov, Fabio Palumbo
Summary: Designing materials with appropriate surface properties can improve their antibacterial efficiency. Antimicrobial coatings can create a healthier environment and provide solutions for people with health problems. This Tutorial introduces plasma-based methods and tools for developing sustainable antimicrobial coatings.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Andrea Jurov, Spela Kos, Tanja Blagus, Ivana Sremacki, Gregor Filipic, Natasa Hojnik, Anton Nikiforov, Christophe Leys, Maja Cemazar, Gregor Sersa, Uros Cvelbar
Summary: The possible benefits of atmospheric pressure plasma jet skin treatment were tested in vivo on mouse skin. It was found that a perpendicular orientation of a helium plasma jet resulted in the least skin damage. Additionally, reducing skin temperature, decreasing ROS, and increasing RNS were identified as key factors for skin damage reduction.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lander Hollevoet, Elise Vervloessem, Yury Gorbanev, Anton Nikiforov, Nathalie De Geyter, Annemie Bogaerts, Johan A. Martens
Summary: Industrial ammonia production without CO2 emission and with low energy consumption is a major challenge. Current methods relying on thermally activated iron catalysts at high pressure and continuous operation mode are difficult to electrify. Electrochemical solutions face issues with the inertness of nitrogen molecules on electrodes. This study proposes an oxidative route for N-2 activation as an energy-efficient option for small-scale distributed ammonia production with renewable electricity and without intrinsic CO2 footprint.
Review
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Jean-Paul Booth, Miran Mozetic, Anton Nikiforov, Christian Oehr
Summary: Polymer materials are widely used due to their complex shapes, versatile properties, light weight, and low cost. However, the chemical compatibility of polymer surfaces often poses challenges for their applications. Plasma functionalization provides an attractive alternative, offering improved surface characteristics using environmentally friendly compounds. These processes have exciting applications in the biomedical field, allowing for precise control over biocompatibility and selective interaction with living cells.
PLASMA SOURCES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chuanlong Ma, Anton Nikiforov, Nathalie De Geyter, Rino Morent, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Summary: Modern society is facing the issue of infectious microbes, and developing antimicrobial surfaces is a strategic solution. This article outlines the use of plasmas in biomedical decontamination and presents plasma-engineered antimicrobial surfaces and novel plasma-active antimicrobial surfaces. The role of plasmas in these surfaces, along with their advantages and disadvantages, is discussed. The future research directions and challenges in plasma-based antimicrobial surfaces are critically evaluated.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexander Lazukin, Mikhail Pinchuk, Anna Korsukova, Anton Nikiforov, Gennadij Romanov, Olga Stepanova, Olga Grabelnych
Summary: This study compares the effects of different treatments on the early germination stage of winter wheat seeds, and finds that cold hardening has the greatest impact on morphophysiological characteristics. Low-temperature plasma treatment stimulates seedlings, but only for the first three days. The combined treatment of low-temperature plasma and disinfectant has similar effects on the morphophysiological characteristics of seedlings. The electric field and disinfectant treatments improve the resistance to low temperatures, but the resistance is reduced when applied after disinfectant treatment.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Klaas De Baerdemaeker, Amber Van Reepingen, Anton Nikiforov, Bruno De Meulenaer, Nathalie De Geyter, Frank Devlieghere
Summary: In recent years, the use of non-thermal plasma (NTP) as an alternative to thermal processing in food treatment has been investigated. This type of gas contains reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) that can effectively kill bacterial cells. However, the presence of food matrix components can interfere with the bactericidal effect of NTP treatment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Changtao Chen, Chuanlong Ma, Xuetong Yang, Kristof Demeestere, Anton Nikiforov, Stijn W. H. Van Hulle
Summary: This study demonstrates an effective two-step process for phosphorus recovery from water resources using plasma-based oxidation followed by phosphate adsorption. The process shows better treatment performance compared to ozone-based AOPs, but the operational treatment costs are still higher.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elise Vervloessem, Mikhail Gromov, Nathalie De Geyter, Annemie Bogaerts, Yury Gorbanev, Anton Nikiforov
Summary: The current global energy crisis emphasizes the importance of understanding nonfossil fuel nitrogen fixation pathways for synthetic fertilizer production. This study investigates NH3 gas phase formation from humid N2 and air, demonstrating that adding water vapor increases nitrogen fixation capacity. However, a significant loss mechanism was identified, where HNO2 reacts with NH3 to form NH4NO2, which rapidly decomposes. Approaches to prevent this loss mechanism are discussed, such as in-line removal of HNO2 or direct solvation in liquid.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ivana Sremacki, Mahtab Asadian, Nathalie De Geyter, Christophe Leys, Liesbet Geris, Anton Nikiforov
Summary: Cold plasmas have been widely used in biomedical fields due to their high chemical reactivity. Many studies have focused on the application of cold plasmas in wound healing, particularly on the mechanisms of plasma-induced cell proliferation. This work demonstrates the advanced role of plasma in wound healing by examining its ability to induce cell proliferation and permeabilize treated cells.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Evangelos Delikonstantis, Panagiotis Vettas, Fabio Cameli, Marco Scapinello, Anton Nikiforov, Guy B. Marin, Kevin M. Van Geem, Georgios D. Stefanidis
Summary: The conversion of CO2 in steel mill off-gases to syngas using nanosecond pulsed discharges at atmospheric pressure is an effective way to reduce the environmental impact of the steelmaking process. Experimental results show that CO2 conversion is affected by H2 excess, interelectrode distance, and specific energy input (SEI). It is recommended to use a stoichiometric H2:CO2 feed ratio for higher energy efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Danyang Liu, Charlie Van Paepeghem, Joke Sierens, Mehrnoush Narimisa, Anton Nikiforov, Nathalie De Geyter, Kristof Demeestere, Bruno De Meulenaer
Summary: Nonthermal plasma is a mild processing technology for food preservation. This study investigated its impact on lipid oxidation and identified the main parameters and reactive species affecting lipid oxidation.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)