Plasmas in- and in-contact with liquids: fundamental investigations and applications in nanomaterial synthesis and liquid processing

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Plasma, also known as fourth state of matter, is a mixture of species with high reactivity. During plasma-liquid interactions, many physical and chemical phenomena are simultaneously generated, which make them of great interest in many environmental applications. For example, plasma in contact with water generates reactive species (electrons, OH, O, O3, H2O2, UV photons…) that can efficiently sterilize wastewater by deactivation and destruction of harmful pollutants. Also, in-liquid discharges generate plasmas with high density of reactive species as well as energetic shock waves and cavitation. These unique properties make plasmas in- and in-contact with liquids at the top of the promising technologies for applications in the field of environmental remediation, material science, and medicine. Thus, there is no doubt that plasma-liquid systems will greatly contribute in our future technology.***In this context, my aim in the next five years is to INVESTIGATE THE FUNDAMENTAL PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF PLASMA-LIQUID INTERACTIONS by targeting applications in nanomaterial synthesis and functionalization, wastewater treatment, and fuel reforming. The plasma-liquid interactions will be investigated using simultaneously three complementary configurations: PLASMAS IN-LIQUID, PLASMAS IN-CONTACT WITH LIQUID, and PLASMAS IN BIPHASIC MEDIA.***Briefly, I will study the plasma dynamics in time and space, and I will identify the generated species by investigating the plasma phase, the liquid phase, and the plasma-liquid interface. Phenomena induced by physics and chemistry in liquid phase will be optimized, in terms of production and transport, to achieve efficient liquid processing. In the case of in-liquid plasma, I will investigate the plasma-electrode interaction and optimize the process to achieve efficient nanomaterial synthesis with controllable properties. The discharge efficiency could also be enhanced by introducing discontinuities, i.e., gaseous bubbles in the liquid or liquid droplets in gas. In this case, the plasma dynamics will be studied as a function of various parameters such as bubble/droplet size, number, and composition. This research topic, discharge in discontinuous media, is relatively new, and its potential for innovative applications is extremely high.***In addition to its scientific and technological impact, my research program has multidisciplinary character providing high level of training to highly qualified personnel (HQP). These HQP are expected to acquire a broad set of skills and expertise in fields of strong technological interest, plasmas and materials, for both academia and high-technology Canadian industries.**