Cold Plasma in Research, Development and Deployment
Cold Plasma in Research, Development and Deployment

Keywords

Free radical
Cold Plasma
Multidisciplinary technology

Abstract

Chemistry and related research, that aims to address and solve myriad challenges, is ultimately evaluated or judged from utilitarian points of view. A successful endeavor therefore not only generates a sense of satisfaction and opens up fresh research directions; it may also substantiate the novelty and apt use of the experimental methodology chosen therein. Diversity in respect of evolving research strategies, aided by simultaneous improvements and availability of associated hardware and software, progressively allow more complex challenges, which seemed beyond reach previously, to be addressed and resolved. Frequently, chemical reactions’ commencements necessitate energy input in some form, and thereafter may follow either oxidative or reductive pathway. Various forms of energy employed include heat, ultrasound, light, UV, X-ray, Nuclear Radiations etc., in addition to catalytic and enzymatic supports. In this context, the distinctive and novel reactive energy source of Cold Atmospheric Plasma (or Cold Plasma, CP in short) offers a simple and frequently superior alternative to a variety of studies that stipulate use of vastly expensive and very complex hardware systems. Though the history of CP spans over last 150 years, it remained completely dormant or sparsely researched almost till the 1980s mainly due to ignorance. At present, setting up a CP experimental facility or laboratory is an uncomplicated, and generally an easy-to-finance proposition. Convenient need based tuning and generation currently makes CP technology one of the user-friendliest available for contribution in a variety of chemistry-inclusive application areas. Worldwide various laboratories, institutes, and even industries have found its novel and profitable use in diverse areas of application such as pollution control and mitigation, material surface modification, in biology, health and healing, nano materials and fabrications, polymers, improved vehicular engine performance, creating steps towards a cleaner and greener environment etc. to name a few. “Tricks of the CP trade” in diverse multi-phase, atypical and innovative utilitarian studies, including some carried out in our laboratory are presented here to sensitize and motivate researchers about this novel theme open for endless exploration.

Cold Plasma in Research, Development and Deployment