Cold plasma generation has found several interesting applications over recent years. These range from accelerating wound healing to sterilization of surfaces and volumes. Many traditional atmospheric plasma generators rely on fixed electrode locations, rigid generator bodies, and controlled gas flows. This often leads to conforming the application to the plasma generator. With our paper-like dielectric barrier discharge (PL-DBD) devices, we can make the plasma generator conform to the application. The electrodes on our PL-DBDs are 10 nm thick, with a total device height of less than 350 µm. We can scale the surface area of the electrodes from less than 1 cm2 to tens of centimeters squared with current power sources, and arbitrarily large areas could theoretically be covered. The plasma generated by these devices has already proven effective at bacterial inactivation at 99%&nbsp;and is currently being applied to a chemical-free produce sterilization process.&nbsp;This presentation details a method for characterizing the arbitrary form-factors of these PL-DBDs. PL-DBDs can be rapidly manufactured and built to application-specific parameters, including origami-style folding devices and kirigami-style cut devices that extend into three dimensions. While the applications differ, it is important that the plasma produced by these various form-factors be standardized and predictable. Spectroscopy offers an attractive method of characterizing the UV emissions of PL-DBDs. However, this method does not work with all 3D designs, due to self-occlusion of the device.We use ozone generation for characterization. The production of ozone is an indicator of PL-DBD plasma generation, and we create a method to accurately measure this ozone. We build air-stabilizing containers which can measure the bulk production of ozone in a still air volume, as well as the ozone generation rate in a free-flowing air situation. Each of these characterizations, still and flowing, are necessary depending on the application. The creation of these characterization chambers allows for a reliable, repeatable method for comparing variations in PL-DBD designs, structures, form-factors, and materials.&nbsp;We also report on the robustness of PL-DBDs in relation to water exposure. Due to the variety of applications, particularly in relation to wound healing and produce sterilization, it is important that our PL-DBDs be resilient in the face of liquid contact, as well as safe for the subject/product. We show that PL-DBDs are self-healing in the face of liquid contact in the dormant state, and that through alterations in fabrication can be made more robust to wetting during the active state.

Long-Lasting, Paper-Like Dielectric Barrier Discharge Devices

Paper Proceedings: https://asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/IMECE/IMECE2021/volume/85543

ASME 2021 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE2021)

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