“EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION INTO MECHANISMS THAT DRIVE AND CONTROL LIQUID PHASE CHEMISTRY IN PLASMA-LIQUID INTERACTIONS”
FOLUKE JENNIFER GANZALLO
Ph.D. Candidate, Clarkson University
Plasma‐based water treatment (PWT) is an emerging technology that utilizes plasma-generated reactive species to degrade persistent and emerging contaminants in water; however, its full potential is limited by an incomplete understanding of plasma–liquid interfacial phenomena. This dissertation elucidates the underlying mass transport and electric field‐induced interfacial mechanisms governing PWT and presents a novel Plasma Spinning Disc Reactor (PSDR) that overcomes bulk liquid transport constraints.
Detailed parametric studies reveal that optimal degradation occurs when the free electron flux is directly proportional to the contaminant flux at the interface, allowing for theoretical determination of the optimum free electron dose for efficient degradation. Reactor performance is further improved by optimizing fluid residence time and plasma–liquid contact area. Additionally, systematic investigations into interfacial ion distribution indicate that plasma discharge polarity governs the formation of plasma sheaths and electric double layers, with reaction selectivity influenced by ion polarizability and counterion effects, leading to the development of a polarity-dependent physical model.
Collectively, these findings advance the fundamental understanding of plasma–liquid interactions and provide a scientific basis for designing next-generation PWT systems capable of meeting industrial remediation standards.
Friday, April 4th, 2025, at 2:00 PM
CAMP 372
Zoom link: Jennifer’s Ph.D. defense zoom link