Two research groups from the University of Cordoba have collaborated to design a plasma reactor that uses microwaves to decontaminate water with high concentrations of dye. Plasma, which is ionized gas, has revolutionized Technology. Its applications include engraving circuits on silicon plates used in electronic devices, resulting in cleaner and more precise production.
The reactor design created by the Physics of Plasmas and Organic Catalysis and Nanostructured Materials groups aims to eliminate contaminants in water by promoting chemical processes using plasma. In 2017, researchers demonstrated that argon plasmas generated by microwaves when acting on water produced reactive species containing oxygen and nitrogen capable of decontaminating it. They have now designed a new reactor that significantly increases the amounts of these active species generated in water, allowing for the destruction of high concentrations of dyes in just minutes.
The modified surfatron device in the reactor generates a different and more efficient plasma, making it useful in applications related to water remediation. This new configuration expands the applicability of this type of plasma, eliminating the problem of filamentation that can destabilize it.
By making plasma act remotely on the water, it generates oxidizing species capable of degrading organic compounds and killing microorganisms. The new design has been tested to reduce high concentrations of methylene blue dye in water, achieving complete elimination at reduced treatment times. This work represents significant progress in the use of plasma for various applications, including manufacturing microchips, disinfecting surfaces, and improving seed germination, among others.
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