Enhancing the •OH generation of atmospheric pressure plasma jets by mixing water aerosols at downstream region

Abstract

AbstractWe established a downstream plasma–aerosol mixing system to increase the generation of •OH in an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ). Four downstream plasma–aerosol mixers were designed, and flow rates of water aerosol were adjusted. Methods to increase •OH in APPJ include increasing ambient humidity, adding water to working gas, treating on wet surfaces, or using water electro‐spray, but have disadvantages. Our method can increase the reaction area between water and plasma and prevent water from quenching the plasma. The ICCD, TA test, and sterilization results revealed that mixing aerosols in the downstream region effectively increased the amount of •OH generation and enhanced sterilization effect. The cone swirl mixer and two‐way swirl mixer generated the strongest and widest •OH emission region, respectively.