Three-Dimensionally Integrated Micro-solution Plasma: Numerical Feasibility Study and Practical Applications

This paper describes effects of design parameters for a three-dimensionally integrated micro-solution plasma (3D IMSP) reactor, which generates a large amount of microplasma in gas bubbles flowing with a liquid medium through a porous dielectric material. Electric fields in gas bubbles are calculated by solving Maxwell’s equations under the electro-quasi-static approximation. The calculated electric fields in the bubbles can be high enough for igniting electrical discharge in the bubbles even if the bubbles are surrounded by electrically conductive liquid. We show importance of higher permittivity of a dielectric-reactor tube and a higher voltage-rise rate for obtaining higher electric fields in the bubbles. Using a proto type 3D IMSP reactor, we demonstrate synthesis of gold nanoparticles and decomposition of methylene blue molecules in aqueous solution.