Review
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Karsten Arts, Satoshi Hamaguchi, Tomoko Ito, Kazuhiro Karahashi, Harm C. M. Knoops, Adriaan J. M. Mackus, Wilhelmus M. M. (Erwin) Kessels
Summary: This article discusses key elementary surface-reaction processes in state-of-the-art plasma etching and deposition relevant to nanoelectronic device fabrication. It provides a concise guide to the forefront of research on plasma-enhanced atomic layer etching (PE-ALE) and plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD). The article reviews the basics of reactive ion etching (RIE) and high-aspect-ratio (HAR) etching, and elaborates on the methods of PE-ALE and PE-ALD as surface-controlled processing. It also explores the surface reaction mechanisms of PE-ALE and PE-ALD and the roles played by incident ions and radicals in their reactions.
PLASMA SOURCES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chuanlong Ma, Anton Nikiforov, Dirk Hegemann, Nathalie De Geyter, Rino Morent, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Summary: This review presents recent advances in low-temperature plasma processing for controlling surface wettability. The underlying mechanisms, key features of fabrication processes, and water-surface interactions are discussed. It aims to guide further development of advanced functional materials.
INTERNATIONAL MATERIALS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhe Yin, Xiaoping Liang, Ke Zhou, Shuo Li, Haojie Lu, Mingchao Zhang, Haomin Wang, Zhiping Xu, Yingying Zhang
Summary: By infiltrating silk fibroin into carbon nanotube fibers, strong and stiff CNT fibers can be prepared, with significantly enhanced mechanical properties. The addition of glycerol helps to enhance the beta-sheet conformation of silk fibroin, further increasing the strength and modulus of the carbon nanotube fibers.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Bo Zhang, Yuhao Sun, Wenhu Han, Lei Fan, Wang Guo, Wendong Li, Haibao Mu, Guanjun Zhang
Summary: Plasma jet arrays, a flexible tool to generate large-scale non-thermal plasma, have attracted academic attention from multiple fields. This study focuses on the surface charge evolution in quartz dielectric deposited by plasma jet arrays. The results show that the fusion of surface charges is enhanced when more charges are transported onto targeted dielectrics, especially at smaller separations. In situ measurements of surface charges and corresponding simulations provide fresh insight into the electrical interaction in large-scale atmospheric-pressure plasma jets.
PLASMA SOURCES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
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
Physics, Multidisciplinary
A. S. El-Said, W. M. Moslem, R. E. Tolba, H. Bahlouli
Summary: Highly energetic heavy ions are effective in surface nanostructuring of various materials. The irradiation of strontium titanate with GeV xenon ions can create surface nanohillocks, with each hillock produced by a single ion impact. We present a new approach to explain the creation mechanism of nano-sized hillocks, which is based on the ability of ion-induced strong electronic excitations to form localized plasma. The existence of nonlinear ion-acoustic mode in the plasma indicates the features of the nanohillocks. The solution of plasma hydrodynamic equations shows a bell-shaped relation between the normalized electron number density and distance along the crystal. The similarity to the hillock profile suggests the importance of electron density in producing the observed surface structures. Furthermore, the utilized model explains the creation mechanism of hillocks-like structures in cases of normal incidence and grazing incidence of highly energetic heavy ions.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
A. Goriaev, T. Wauters, S. Moeller, R. Brakel, S. Brezinsek, J. Buermans, K. Crombe, A. Dinklage, R. Habrichs, D. Hoeschen, M. Krause, Yu Kovtun, D. Lopez-Rodriguez, F. Louche, S. Moon, D. Nicolai, J. Thomas, R. Ragona, M. Rubel, T. Ruettgers, P. Petersson, P. Brunsell, Ch Linsmeier, M. Van Schoor
Summary: The Toroidal Magnetized System device has been upgraded to develop various wall conditioning techniques and complement research on plasma-wall interactions in tokamaks and stellarators. The system includes an EC system, IC system, DC glow discharge system, load-lock system, and multiple diagnostics for studying plasma profiles and neutral particles. The majority of systems and diagnostics are controlled by the Siemens SIMATIC S7 system for safety interlocks.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
G. Urbanczyk, L. Colas, J. Hillairet, E. Lerche, N. Fedorczak, J. Morales, J. Gunn, V. Ostuni, S. Heuraux, D. Vezinet, V. Bobkov, C. Desgranges, A. Ekedahl, P. Mollard, G. Lombard, B. Pegourie, T. Loarer, W. Helou, C. C. Klepper, E. A. Unterberg, M. Usoltceva, P. Devynck, C. Yan, J. G. Li, K. Wang
Summary: The study focuses on optimizing discharges heated with ICRF, including wave coupling, absorption optimization, and reducing impurity production. The results show that ICRF coupling can be optimized by increasing plasma density, wave frequency, and LH power. Additionally, absolutely calibrated visible spectroscopy sightlines are used to quantitatively estimate the contribution of different impurity sources to core contamination by tungsten during high total RF-power discharges.
Article
Mechanics
Xiuxiu Chen, Zhengzhong Sun
Summary: This article investigates the energy transformation characteristics of the plasma synthetic jet actuator (PSJA) through theoretical, experimental, and numerical research. The results show that the size and formation time of the plasma kernel can be predicted and the peak pressure and temperature rise in the cavity can be calculated. The proportion of kinetic energy increases linearly with non-dimensional deposition energy, while potential energy has a reverse tendency with non-dimensional cavity volume and deposition energy.
Article
Physics, Applied
Patrick Hermanns, Friederike Kogelheide, Vera Bracht, Stefan Ries, Florian Krueger, Simon Boeddeker, Nikita Bibinov, Peter Awakowicz
Summary: The authors of this study found that the formation rate and characteristics of eroded traces on a titanium surface can be controlled by process design and material combination. Effective erosion of the titanium substrate was shown when using krypton as the working gas, while no traces were detected when using argon. Plasma spots with dense cores are believed to be produced by an interaction of micro-vortices within the plasma channel and by the formation of an extremely high axial magnetic field.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Zhiyuan Cao, Rui Li, Zhenxing Wang, Bo Cao, Zhipeng Zhou, Liqiong Sun, Yingsan Geng, Jianhua Wang
Summary: A three-dimensional plasma jet model was developed using a hybrid algorithm to study sputtering phenomena during the interaction between a vacuum arc plasma jet and the anode. The simulation results showed that high-speed ions from the plasma jet cause sputtering on the anode, leading to the production of Cu1+ ions from sputtered atoms. These new ions resulted in a bimodal distribution of Cu1+ ions density, with implications for the energy distribution function of ions in the plasma.
PLASMA SOURCES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hamideh Hosseini, Mohammad Ghaffarzadeh
Summary: The use of carbon nanotubes in various fields has attracted significant attention due to their unique structures and properties. The introduction of functional groups on the surface of carbon nanotubes can overcome issues such as insolubility.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Bo Zhang, Yuhao Sun, Wenhu Han, Hang Zhao, Chenxu Wang, Haibao Mu, Guanjun Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the surface charging phenomenon on quartz dielectrics by a He APPJ under varying pulse widths and voltage magnitudes. Results show that ionization waves and quartz dielectric interaction result in a round positive charge deposition, with the charge lifetime greatly dependent on the pulse widths. An interesting polarity reversal occurs under longer pulses, where the positive charge decreases on pulse-on and more negative charges appear on pulse-off. This study provides insights into the mechanisms of charge maintenance and polarity reversal in plasma surface interaction.
PLASMA SOURCES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Viacheslav Petrovich Budaev
Summary: Analyzing surface structure of materials like titanium, tungsten, carbon, lithium, and beryllium after plasma irradiation in fusion devices reveals specific surface clustering phenomena. The hierarchical granularity with cauliflower-like shape and surface self-similarity is observed, differing from clustering under other conditions. The growth of surface with a self-similar structure is influenced by multi-scale synergistic effects leading to stochastic clustering of materials irradiated with plasma in fusion devices.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Haoyu Xiao, Shujiang Li, Zhen Shi, Cunhao Cui, Sunwen Xia, Yingquan Chen, Zhongyue Zhou, Xin Tu, Xu Chen, Haiping Yang, Hanping Chen
Summary: Plasma-catalytic pyrolysis is a promising technology for upgrading plastic waste and producing hydrogen and high-value carbon materials. This study investigated the role of plasma in the pyrolysis of polypropylene (PP) and found that plasma can further activate and cleave the pyrolysis volatiles, resulting in more active carbon species for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Compared to conventional catalytic pyrolysis, plasma addition significantly reduced the formation temperature of CNTs and promoted the conversion of liquid and gaseous products to CNTs and hydrogen. The addition of plasma also improved the graphitization degree of CNTs and reduced their defectivity. The findings highlight the potential of plasma-catalytic pyrolysis for the valorization of plastic waste.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xin Zeng, Shuai Zhang, Xiucui Hu, Cheng Zhang, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, Tao Shao
Summary: With the increase in the greenhouse effect and reduction of fossil fuel resources, finding a feasible solution to directly convert power to chemicals using renewable energy is urgent. The power-to-chemicals approach, such as non-thermal plasma, electro-catalysis, and photo-catalysis, has shown great potential in the past two decades. This paper introduces the application of plasma technology in energy conversion, focusing on plasma-enabled ammonia synthesis and analyzing its state-of-the-art, mechanisms, and techno-economics. It emphasizes the importance of the power-to-chemicals approach in reducing carbon emissions and environmental pollution.
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amandeep Singh Pannu, Suvankar Sen, Xiaodong (Tony) Wang, Robert Jones, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, Prashant Sonar
Summary: Organic-inorganic hybrid lead trihalide perovskites have shown promise in various optoelectronic devices. Red-emitting perovskite-based LEDs have been less developed compared to green and blue ones. This study utilizes red-emitting 2D perovskites and carbon dots to create a stable composite material for red-emitting LEDs with improved performance.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Negar Zebardastan, Jonathan Bradford, Josh Lipton-Duffin, Jennifer MacLeod, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, Massimo Tomellini, Nunzio Motta
Summary: Face-to-face annealing is an effective method for obtaining epitaxial graphene with precise control over size, quality, growth rate and thickness.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Kun Liu, Wenqiang Geng, Xiongfeng Zhou, Qingsong Duan, Zhenfeng Zheng, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Summary: Two modes of the atmospheric-pressure plasma discharge, characterized by the dominant O-3 and NO (x) species, were studied using numerical and experimental methods. A global chemical kinetics model was developed to investigate the mode transition mechanisms, and it accurately described the transition. The individual and synergistic effects of discharge energy and gas temperature on species density and the relative contributions of dominant reactions were quantified under increasing discharge voltage conditions.
PLASMA SOURCES SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Darwin Kurniawan, Jacob Mathew, Michael Ryan Rahardja, Hoang-Phuc Pham, Pei-Chun Wong, Neralla Vijayakameswara Rao, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, Wei-Hung Chiang
Summary: This study reports the development of smart anticancer drug nanocarriers through plasma engineering technique. The nanocarriers containing chitosan and nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots can release drugs in a pH-responsive manner and exhibit enhanced toughness. The loaded nanocarriers demonstrate improved drug loading capability and stable release, showing great potential in cancer treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xin Zeng, Shuai Zhang, Yadi Liu, Xiucui Hu, Kostya Ken Ostrikov, Tao Shao
Summary: To meet global net-zero emission targets, sustainable and low-carbon alternatives are urgently needed for energy-intensive industrial processes like ammonia synthesis. In this study, plasma catalysis is used to achieve renewable-electricity-driven ammonia synthesis under mild conditions. By identifying energy loss pathways and optimizing process parameters, such as pulse voltage and gap distance, high ammonia yields with high energy efficiency and low emission footprint are obtained.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rusen Zhou, Dejiang Zhou, Baowang Liu, Lanlan Nie, Yubin Xian, Tianqi Zhang, Renwu Zhou, Xinpei Lu, Kostya Ken Ostrikov, Patrick J. Cullen
Summary: The addition of helium can enhance the synthesis of ammonia by modifying the energy transfer mechanism in the plasma, leading to more efficient activation of N2 and production of NH3.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Liangliang Lin, Yunming Tao, Sergey A. Starostin, Chengdong Li, Hongyu Huang, Ailin He, Yingjun Wu, Volker Hessel, Kostya Ken Ostrikov
Summary: A dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma was used to reactivate spent Pd/Al2O3 catalysts, and the gas composition in the plasma process affected the extent of coke elimination and electrochemical performance of the reactivated catalysts. The electrochemical performance was found to improve with the increase of gas flow rate and treatment time for Ar and N2 gases, but decrease for O2 gas. Higher oxidation degrees of Pd reduced the electrochemical performance. This study presents a new strategy for reusing waste catalysts in a simple and environment-friendly manner.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Sanjib Sarkar, Jyoti K. Atul, Modhuchandra Laishram, Dandan Zou, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Summary: The Farley-Buneman and Gradient Drift instabilities in a partially ionized dusty electrojet region were investigated using a fluid model. The effects of dissociative electron-ion recombination and dust charge fluctuation on the instabilities were considered. The dispersion relation describing the propagation of electrojet instabilities within the dust ion acoustic range in a magnetized partially ionized dusty plasma was solved numerically and analytically. The results showed that the Gradient Drift instability was unstable at a much longer wavelength compared to the Farley-Buneman instability. The threshold electron drift velocity for Farley-Buneman instability was affected by the charge on dust, with a decrease at lower altitudes and an increase at higher altitudes. Furthermore, the dissociative electron-ion recombination had a stronger damping effect than the dust charge fluctuation on both instabilities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haotian Gao, Guoli Wang, Zhongzheng Huang, Lanlan Nie, Dawei Liu, Xinpei Lu, Guangyuan He, Kostya Ken Ostrikov
Summary: Nitrogen fixation is a crucial process for various biological and industrial processes, but it is also a major source of carbon emissions globally. In this study, a novel approach using plasma-activated mist (PAM) is proposed for efficient and sustainable nitrogen fixation. The PAM system generates nitrogen-fixation species through the reaction of air plasma and water mist, and the liquid-phase nitrogen fixation product is dominated by NO3-. This system is applied to deliver nitrogen-based nutrients directly to plant roots using an aeroponic system, leading to significant improvements in plant growth.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pei-Chun Wong, Darwin Kurniawan, Jia-Lin Wu, Wei-Ru Wang, Kuan-Hao Chen, Chieh-Ying Chen, Ying-Chun Chen, Loganathan Veeramuthu, Chi-Ching Kuo, Kostya Ken Ostrikov, Wei-Hung Chiang
Summary: In this study, a multifunctional metal-based scaffold was developed for bone defect repair by combining nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot hydrogel and magnesium alloy. Through in vivo study, it was found that this hybrid scaffold promoted faster, more uniform, and directional bone growth, showing great potential for application in bone defect repair.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Xu Han, Kostya Ken Ostrikov, Jeff Chen, Yao Zheng, Xiaoyong Xu
Summary: The persistent utilization of fossil fuels has led to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to solid carbon is considered a potential solution to environmental concerns due to its simplicity, precise control, and environmental friendliness. However, the strong carbon-oxygen bond and electrode degradation hinder the commercialization of this technology. Different strategies have been reported, including solid oxide electrolysis, molten salt and liquid metal reduction, and hybrid electro-thermochemical looping. This mini-review provides a systematic analysis of experimental conditions, mechanisms, and product morphologies, serving as a reference for future research in this emerging field.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qilei Xu, Qianqian Wu, Chenglin Wang, Xiumei Zhang, Zhengyang Cai, Liangliang Lin, Xiaofeng Gu, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, Haiyan Nan, Shaoqing Xiao
Summary: This study employed a two-step KI-assisted confined-space chemical vapor deposition method to prepare multilayer WSe2/SnS2 p-n heterojunctions. The optical characterization and electrical tests revealed clear interfaces and vertical heterostructures, as well as good rectification characteristics and high photoresponse. These performances are likely attributed to the ultra-low dark current generated in the depletion region and the high direct tunneling current during illumination.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hsiuan Ling Ho, Jung Yen Yang, Chun Hung Lin, Jiann Shieh, Yu Fang Huang, Yi Hong Ho, Tsung Shine Ko, Chiung Chih Hsu, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Summary: The development of reliable and cost-effective molecular detection at the attomolar level on analyte-immobilizing surfaces without lithographic patterning is a challenge in chemical sensing. This study presents a novel approach using plasma etching to produce custom-designed adhesive superhydrophobic silicon nanograss surfaces. These surfaces enable effective immobilization of Ag nanoparticles and R6G target molecules, providing a reliable Raman scattering platform for detecting trace analytes. The study also introduces a plasma-enabled approach for precise interface nanostructuring, potentially leading to unprecedented capabilities in molecular-level sensing technologies.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinyong Lin, Dong Li, Changhong Li, Ziqi Zhuang, Chengchao Chu, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, Erik W. W. Thompson, Gang Liu, Peiyu Wang
Summary: Cancer cells are more susceptible to oxidative stress and nanomaterials-based therapies that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been effective in eliminating cancer cells. These therapies, including chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, sonodynamic therapy, as well as multi-modal therapies such as combination therapy, have shown significant inhibition of tumor growth. However, the limitations of multi-modal therapy in material preparation and operation protocols hinder its clinical application. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), as a reliable source of ROS, light, and electromagnetic fields, provides a simple alternative for implementing multi-modal treatments. Therefore, the emerging field of tumor precision medicine is expected to benefit from these promising multi-modal therapies based on ROS-generating nanomaterials and reactive media like CAPs.
