NSF/EPA Technology for a Sustainable Environment: Investigation of a Novel Capillary Non-Thermal, Ambient Pressure Plasma for Cleaning Aluminum Surfaces

Project: Research project

Project Details

Description

The objective of this NSF/EPA Technology for a Sustainable Environment research program is to investigate the plasma-contaminant-surface chemistry required for the development of the Atmospheric pressure, Capillary Electrode Plasma (AP-CEP) technology suitable for destruction of organic contaminants in aluminum surfaces for industrial applications. The research plan is based upon a novel technique the investigators have demonstrated generating large volume non-thermal plasmas under atmospheric pressure conditions that. This has been accomplished by utilizing a self-stabilizing diffuse glow discharge using a specially designed cathode configuration. The AP-CEP technique offers three important advantages over existing state-of-the-art plasma generation, (1) a more effective energy utilization per unit volume of plasma, (2) engineering simplicity in developing efficient, easily scaleable reactors operating under ambient conditions, and (3) a very small power to plasma volume ratio leading to small system footprint and potentially very cost effective technology. Destruction of contaminants will be explored by performing (1) a comprehensive characterization of the AP-CEP for applications in surface cleaning; (2) a detailed evaluation and optimization of the effectiveness and efficiency of the capillary plasma in the destruction of hydrocarbons deposited on surfaces; (3) an evaluation of by-products resulting from capillary plasma processing; (4) an evaluation of chemical and physical changes in the treated surface; (5) an estimation of the power required for capillary plasma cleaning; and (6) an identification and determination of parameters pertinent to industrial application of the capillary plasma cleaning process.

This new technology has the potential to be a cost-effective alternative to solvent-based processes, thus addressing environmental issues at the source.

StatusFinished
Effective start/end date15/09/0031/08/04

Funding

  • National Science Foundation

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