Dr. Katharina Stapelmann, associate professor of nuclear engineering at NC State University, and collaborators from Clarkson University and Texas A&M University received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study reaction pathways by which plasmas degrade aqueous organic pollutants in water. Focus of their work is on the removal of toxic per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals”, from groundwater using multiphase gas-liquid plasma reactors.
The field of low temperature plasmas (LTP) encompasses technologies ranging from microelectronic fabrication, human implants, lasers, and solar cell fabrication. Novel technologies such as nitrogen fixation from air are currently being investigated. The success of the development of these technologies relies on the reactions of plasma-generated ions and free radicals. While extensive work has been conducted to identify and quantify reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, the generation mechanism and subsequent reactions of non-oxidative species and agents produced by the plasma, such as ions, metastable atoms, and photons, are largely unknown. The recently awarded $800k grant will use state-of-the-art plasma diagnostics alongside liquid chemistry measurements to generate new insights and novel means of analyzing plasmas in contact with liquid. This project aims to accelerate the development and scale up of plasma reactors to degrade and destroy PFAS, and is supported under the ECosystem for Leading Innovation in Plasma Science and Engineering (ECLIPSE) and Critical Aspects of Sustainability (CAS): Innovative Solutions to Sustainable Chemistry (CAS-SC) programs.
Stapelmann studies the interactions of technical plasmas with biological systems on a macromolecular level. Her focus is on the characterization and optimization of plasma discharges used for biomedical applications and the understanding and improvement of plasmas used e.g. in medicine. The applications range from wound healing to air purification, sterilization of medical instruments as well as for planetary protection purposes. Furthermore, plasma-liquid interactions and plasma discharges in liquids belong to the repertoire.
In the news,
Eating limits of fish from North Carolina river recommended due to “forever chemical”
July 13, 2023
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina health officials formally recommended on Thursday limits on eating certain fish caught from portions of the Cape Fear River due to health concerns from a substance within the family of “forever chemicals.”