Demonstrating Surface and Plasma Chemistry with a Nonthermal Atmospheric Plasma

A low-cost plasma nozzle/setup was developed to allow demonstrations, and it invites hands-on experimentation with nonthermal plasmas of air and other gases. Several high-tech plasma applications, such as surface cleaning and activation, as well as mild but effective sterilization, will be explained and adapted to be eagerly explored by undergraduate and senior high school students. The results were surprisingly similar to those obtained with a commercial plasma treatment system. While the focus is on the experimental introduction to plasma physics and chemistry, it will be highlighted how a multidisciplinary approach enables the study and discussion of important concepts ranging from surface energies and contact angles to environmental or microbiological control.