Contamination\nin Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasmas\nby Electrode Erosion

Dielectric\nbarrier discharge plasmas find applications\nin various\nfields, including material synthesis and functionalization, plasma\ncatalysis for gas conversion, pollution control, and biological sample\ntreatment. While electrode erosion in these systems has been observed\npreviously, its full implications have remained unclear. In this study,\nwe analyze the effects of electrode erosion by examining alumina spheres\nexposed to the plasma using electron microscopy for detailed characterization.\nOur findings show that electrode erosion leads to the deposition of\nmicroscopic particles on the materials inside the plasma reactor.\nWhereas the operating parameters influence the properties of these\nparticles, their formation and deposition is persistent. These electrode\nparticles are an evident source of contamination and may lead to impurities\nin synthesized materials or altered plasma discharges after long-term\noperation. Our study highlights the importance of acknowledging the\npresence and potential impact of these particles for various DBD plasma\napplications and calls for greater awareness in the scientific community\nregarding this source of contamination that has been overlooked so\nfar.