Research on the reactive species generation characteristics and application feasibility of the 2D grid electrode-based atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge

Abstract

This study explores the generation characteristics of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONs) in the flexible surface dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma source of a 2D grid electrode and identifies the factors controlling the generation of RONs. For plasma applications, it is essential to optimize the concentrations of active species according to the purpose of the application. In this study, it was verified that it is possible to control the generation of RONs by observing the change in the RONs generation mode depending on the driving condition and electrode size in surface plasma with a square mono-grid electrode. To understand the factors controlling this generation, we analyzed the emission light shape, dissipated power, power density, and active species concentration through absorption spectroscopy and the rotational and vibrational temperature of the molecules in a plasma analysis through emission spectroscopy. In addition, to show that the control parameter was not the result of dielectric and/or electrode characteristics, plasma sources with other materials were examined, and expansion to the multi-grid form (commonly used in practice) was experimentally tested. Furthermore, with the evaluation of the active species generation application potential of the 2D DBD plasma source, the development of a flexible DBD plasma source, and application to the actual food, it was demonstrated that mold on food surfaces could be inhibited. A flexible plasma source was developed to more efficiently apply the identified active species generation control technology. As the DBD had a simple structure, it was considered as most suitable for the development of a flexible plasma generator. In the development of the flexible plasma source, an inkjet printing method was introduced for manufacturing a DBD source with a high degree of freedom of deformation. In addition, the effect of extending the quality maintenance period for cheese and blueberries was experimentally demonstrated by implementing a plasma pouch able to effectively generate plasma in a limited space for the practical use of the developed plasma source. Comprehensively, it is expected that this study will present new possibilities for the application and popularization of plasma technology.