Non-thermal transient plasma discharges for environmental applications

Low temperature atmospheric plasma produces significant oxidation and bactericidal effects. As a result, multiple practical applications based on non-thermal plasma discharges are now being developed, these applications and technologies include non-thermal plasma discharges for surface cleaning and decontamination, water treatment, bio-decontamination, wound treatment and sterilisation, and stimulation of plant growth. Based on the progress in the plasma technology new research fields have been established in recent years: plasma for environmental applications, plasma medicine and plasma agriculture. However, the exact mechanisms of the biological and chemical effects of low temperature atmospheric plasma discharges are still not fully known.

The main objective of the proposed project is to continue development and optimisation of non-thermal, plasma-based systems started at the University of Strathclyde and investigation of the efficiency of transient non-thermal plasma discharges for different environmental applications. The research programme will be focused on plasma oxidation, biological effects of plasma and potentially on plasma stimulation of plants will be investigated. The originality of the proposed approach is in the use of very short, sub-microsecond impulsive non-thermal atmospheric air plasma discharges, which are capable of the efficient generation of chemically active species and in the efficient transfer of electric charge.

The prospective PhD researcher will be supported by experienced members of staff at the High Voltage Technologies Group, he/she will work in the dynamic research group conducting studies at the frontiers of low-temperature science and engineering (plasma for environmental, medical and agricultural applications). This PhD candidate will work in close cooperation with electrical engineers, physicists and microbiologists which provides a unique opportunity to conduct multi-disciplinary plasma-based research project.

The potential PhD candidate should be an enthusiastic person with a solid knowledge of principles of electro-magnetism and electrical circuits. No previous practical experience in working with non-thermal plasma is required, however this research project will include both, analytical and experimental elements, therefore it is desirable for potential applicants to have laboratory experience. Experience in modelling using Matlab and COMSOL software will be an advantage.