Non-thermal Dielectric Barrier Discharge Research Articles

Degradation of 2,4-dinitrotoluene in aqueous solution by dielectric barrier discharge plasma combined with Fe–RGO–BiVO4 nanocomposite

2,4-Dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) as a priority and hazardous pollutant, is widely used in industrial and military activities. In this study the synergistic effect of Fe–RGO–BiVO4 nanocomposite in a non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor (NTP-DBD) for degrading 2,4-DNT was evaluated. Preparation of the Fe–RGO–BiVO4 nanocomposite was done by a stepwise chemical method depositing Fe and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) on BiVO4. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping (EDS-mapping) validated the satisfactory synthesis of Fe–RGO–BiVO4. To find the optimal conditions and to determine the interaction of model parameters, a central composite design (RSM-CCD) had been employed. 2,4 DNT can be completely degraded at: initial 2,4-DNT concentration of 40 mg L−1, Fe–RGO–BiVO4 dosage of 0.75 g L−1, applied voltage of 21kV, reaction time of 30 min and pH equal to 7, while the single plasma process reached a degradation efficiency of 67%. The removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) were 90.62% and 88.02% at 30 min contact time, respectively. Results also indicated that average oxidation state (AOS) and carbon oxidation state (COS) were enhanced in the catalytic NTP-DBD process, which demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed process for facilitating biodegradability of 2,4-DNT.

Non-thermal plasma promotes boar sperm quality through increasing AMPK methylation

Boar sperm quality, as an important indicator of reproductive efficiency, directly affects the efficiency of livestock production. Here, this study was conducted to improve the boar sperm quality by using a non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. Our results showed that DBD plasma exposure at 2.1 W for 15 s could improve boar sperm quality by increasing exon methylation level of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and thus improving the glycolytic flux, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant capacity without damaging the integrity of sperm DNA and acrosome. In addition, DBD plasma could rescue DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine-caused low sperm quality through reducing the oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Therefore, the application of non-thermal plasma provides a new strategy for reducing sperm oxidative damage and improving sperm quality, which shows a great potential in assisted reproduction to solve the problem of male infertility.

Effect of biomass adsorbent on non-thermal plasma activated treatment of oil-based drilling cutting: Residual toxicity assessment

The oil-based drilling cutting (OBDC), which contain petroleum hydrocarbons produced during the oil and shale gas exploration process, are considered toxic solid waste for the environment. In this study, we introduce a promising technique by coupling non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma with biomass adsorbents (wheat stalk, straw fiber, or rice husk) to remove toxic compounds from OBDC. The results show the plasma treatment can achieve up to 90.9% degradation rate of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH). The introduction of 3 wt% of biomass adsorbent exhibited a significant enhancement of the energy efficiency (up to 21.9% increase using rice husk). Importantly, toxicity evaluations, such as the corn seed germination test, demonstrate a substantial reduction in the toxicity of drilling cuttings after plasma treatment, with seed germination and growth rates (using straw fiber) comparable to uncontaminated soil. Adding biomass adsorbents can also enhance the hydrophilicity of treated OBDC, increasing the presence of HCOO–, CH3HCOO–, NO3- species which further contributes to the safety and fertility of treated OBDC. Coupling non-thermal DBD plasma discharge with biomass adsorbents presents an efficient and environmentally friendly choice for the environmental treatment of OBDC in deep shale gas development.

The changed multiscale structures of tight nut (Cyperus esculentus) starch decide its modified physicochemical properties: The effects of non-thermal and thermal treatments

Non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBDP) and four thermal treatments, including baking (BT), high pressure cooking (HPC), radio frequency (RF) and microwave (MW) were applied to modify the structural and physicochemical properties of Cyperus esculentus starch (CES). The results showed that the thermal treatments remarkably disordered the crystalline structures of CES through weakening the double-helix conformation of amylopectin, while DBDP caused much more gentle influence on the starch structures than them. Specifically, MW induced the high-frequency displacement of polar molecules and intensive collisions between starch and water molecules, causing the largest stretching and swelling extents of amylopectin, resulting in the highest pasting and rheological viscosity of CES in four thermal treatments. As DBDP did not favor the aggregation of amylopectin chains, the deaggregated starch chains promoted the hydration effects with water molecules, boosting the final pasting viscosity, apparent rheological viscosity, freeze-thaw stability and digestion velocity of CES. Besides, the gelatinization-retrogradation process in the thermal treatments regulated starch digestion velocity and produced type III resistant starch in CES. Conclusively, the modified physicochemical properties of CES resulted from the altered molecular structures of starch by the applied treatments.

Inactivation of Cercospora lactucae-sativa through Application of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Gliding Arc, Tesla Coil and Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasmas

Cercospora leaf spot disease is a serious problem for lettuce cultivation worldwide. Cercospora lactucae-sativa, the causative agent of leaf spot disease on lettuce, was treated with non-thermal atmospheric pressure gliding arc (GA), tesla coil (TC) and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasmas for the in vitro fungal inactivation of both mycelial growth and conidial germination. The fungus was exposed to the three plasmas individually for 5, 10, 15 and 20 min. The results showed that DBD plasma inactivated fungal growth during all exposure periods, and the highest inhibitory effect was caused by exposure to DBD plasma for 20 min, at 93.33% inhibition. The germination of fungal conidia was completely inactivated after exposure to all three non-thermal plasmas for 5 min, as observed 4 and 24 h after incubation. The pathogenesis of C. lactucae-sativa on lettuce after plasma treatments for 5 min was examined by spraying an inoculation of the treated conidia on lettuce. The results showed that all three plasmas reduced the disease incidence and severity compared to the non-treated control. Therefore, the non-thermal atmospheric pressure GA, TC and DBD plasmas have antifungal potential for the inactivation of C. lactucae-sativa, making them an interesting novel technology for plant disease control.

Non-thermal plasma catalytic dry reforming of methane over Ni-Co3O4 supported modified-titania catalysts: Effect of process conditions on syngas production

The dry reforming of methane has been studied over modified TiO2-supported 10%Ni-5%Co3O4 composite catalysts using a non-thermal plasma dielectric barrier discharge fixed-bed reactor. The 10%Ni-5%Co3O4/modified-TiO2 nanorods (NR) have been synthesized by hydrothermal method. Physicochemical characterizations of the composite catalysts have been conducted by X-ray diffraction (XRD), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR), CO2 temperature-programmed desorption (CO2-TPD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and N2 adsorption-desorption (BET) analysis. Incorporation of cubic-structured Co3O4 into Ni/TiO2 attributes to the enhancement of basicity, reducibility and metal-support interaction. Consequently, the catalytic activity of 10%Ni-5%Co3O4/TiO2 NR increases and confer CH4 and CO2 conversions at 86.4% and 84.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the H2 and CO selectivity are reported as 50.1% and 49.0% respectively. Higher syngas ratio (H2/CO) from 0.84 to 1.01 and 26% increment in overall energy efficiency compared to plasma DRM alone have been observed. The superior plasma DRM performance is correlated to the greater basicity properties and the synergistic effect of non-thermal plasma with the 10%Ni-5%Co3O4/modified-TiO2 catalyst composite.

Hierarchical Structures Formed in an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet by Polymerization from an Aerosol of Oxalic Acid Stabilized WO3–x Nanosheet Colloids: Toward High-Performance Electrochemical Devices and Sensors

The development of microstructures which combine high total surface area and high porosity is crucial for technologies such as electrocatalysis, electrochromics, and sensors. High deposition rate, composition control of deposition, and low processing temperature to retain active compositions are also desirable. To this end, this study describes combining colloidal sol chemistry with a nonthermal atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma jet to print hybrid inorganic/organic tungsten trioxide/oxalic acid (WO3–x/OA) microspheres. Injection of an aerosol of oxalic acid stabilized colloidal tungstic acid into an atmospheric pressure plasma jet results in the deposition of spherical structures in which the colloid is trapped within a plasma-polymerized organic shell. Subsequent low-temperature sintering produces hierarchical spherical shell-like structures comprising tungsten oxide nanosheets. Alteration of the gas flow rate changes the composition of the deposited material. The method has promise for the general preparation from colloidal precursors of porous materials of controlled morphology and composition with hierarchical microstructures, such as are required for applications in electrochemical devices and sensors which need a high ratio of surface area to volume and connectivity throughout the structure, yet also need a microstructure which is open for rapid exchange of reactants.

Bacterial Sterilization Using Non-Thermal Plasma Method Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge (SDBD): Effect of Treatment Duration on Colony Count, DNA, Protease Enzymes, and Cell Morphology

The ability of Escherichia coli to become increasingly resistant to sterilization has resulted in high cases of this bacterial infection. To overcome this problem, a new method is needed. The circuit design uses 2 parallel plates of copper material. The first plate is HV electrode and second plate is ground electrode which is separated by a dielectric layer. Non-thermal plasma with surface dielectric barrier discharge is generated using a 20 VDC voltage source and then transformed into a high voltage source to generate plasma. Distance between plasma source and fixed sample is 3 mm. OES is used to observe reactive species produced in plasma indicated by magnitude of intensity at certain wavelengths. SDBD non-thermal plasma could be used to inactivate bacteria depending on treatment time. The longer treatment time, greater inactivation ability. For the number of colonies after being treated for 120 s, namely 4.33×107 CFU/mL, it was much lower than control, which was 409×107 CFU/ml. For DNA after being treated for 120 s, results of genome from Escherichia coli were no longer visible or faded, marked by a DNA concentration of 8.18 ng/ul, far lower than the control DNA concentration of 124.44 ng/ul. For the activity of the protease enzyme, the time variation of 105 s had the smallest activity value of the protease enzyme, namely 35.375 U/mL compared to control, which was 52.307 U/mL whereas for cell morphology after 120 s treatment showed increasingly severe cell damage observed using SEM. Non-thermal plasma SDBD configurations can be used to inactivate or kill bacteria. Effectiveness or capability of non-thermal plasma also depends on the treatment time. SDBD nonthermal plasma ability increases with the longer treatment time. HIGHLIGHTS In this research, a non-thermal plasma method of surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) for Escherichia coli sterilization was developed. The results of research on inactivation of Escherichia coli bacteria using non-thermal plasma SDBD showed that the configuration of non-thermal plasma SDBD could be used to inactivate or kill bacteria. The effectiveness or capability of non-thermal plasma also depends on the treatment time. SDBD non-thermal plasma capability increases with longer treatment time. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Effect of non-thermal plasma dielectric barrier discharge reactor on the quality of biomass gasification product gas from the gasifier

The primary goal of this research is to determine the effect of key processing parameters of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor on the components concentration of the fuel gas produced during the biomass gasification. By changing key processing parameters such as plasma input power, flow rate, and temperature, the performance of the DBD reactor is assessed. When the power is increased from 5 to 40 W, the concentrations of CO2 and H2 decrease to 12.9% and 18.5%, respectively, while the concentration of CO increases to 17.2%. At 40 W and 65 ml/min, the amount of tar compound significantly drops from 33 g/Nm3 to less than 1 g/Nm3. However, as input power increases, the concentration of C1–C5 hydrocarbons also tends to rise. The highest concentration of C1–C5 was around 0.60% at 40 W. As the flow rate increases, the concentration of CO2 increases while the concentration of CO tends to decrease at all measured power levels, the maximum concentration of CO2 was at 120 ml/min, whereas the minimum concentration of CO is seen under same conditions. With an increase in flow rate, the concentration of CH4 shows a decreasing tendency. It is seen that at 40 W, the concentration of CO and H2 drops as the temperature rises up to 400 °C. In contrast, there is a rising trend in the concentration of CO2, CH4, and tar compounds while increasing temperature. Hence, the DBD reactor appears to have a profound influence on a gas component produced during biomass gasification.

Modelling of Nonthermal Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma at Atmospheric Pressure and Role of Produced Reactive Species in Surface Polymer Microbial Purification

A nonthermal atmospheric plasma reactor was used to sterilize polymer surfaces and satisfy safety constraints in a biological medium. A 1D fluid model was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics software® 5.4 with a helium-oxygen mixture at low temperature for the decontamination of bacteria on polymer surfaces. An analysis of the evolution of the homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was carried out through studying the dynamic behavior of the discharge parameters including the discharge current, the consumed power, the gas gap voltage, and transport charges. In addition, the electrical characteristics of a homogeneous DBD under different operating conditions were studied. The results shown that increasing voltage or frequency caused higher ionization levels and maximum increase of metastable species' density and expanded the sterilization area. On the other hand, it was possible to operate plasma discharges at a low voltage and a high density of plasma using higher values of the secondary emission coefficient or permittivity of the dielectric barrier materials. When the discharge gas pressure increased, the current discharges declined, which indicated a lower sterilization efficiency under high pressure. A short gap width and the admixture of oxygen were needed for sufficient bio-decontamination. Plasma-based pollutant degradation devices could therefore benefit from these results.

Non-thermal plasma dielectric barrier discharge reactor stability analysis using fiber bragg grating sensor

The main focus in this study is to determine the stability of the plasma generated by a Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) reactor in the presence and without glass beads as dielectric enhancement. The stability of plasma was determined based on plasma temperature which measured within plasma stream. The DBD plasma reactor was designed, fabricated and being operated in an open air system. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) was used to measure the plasma temperature. The applied voltage was increased up to 8 kV to determine breakdown voltage and evaluate plasma stability with and without the presence of glass beads as dielectric enhancement. Experimental results revealed that plasma started to generate at applied voltage about 3.0 kV. Plasma formation found generated with stable at applied voltage 8 kV for both with and without the presence of glass beads. With the presence of glass beads, the plasma temperature found much higher about 180 °C compare with without glass beads which is about 90 °C, and yet the plasma generation is still stable.

Potential of Nonthermal Atmospheric-Pressure Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma for Inhibition of Athelia rolfsii Causing Southern Blight Disease in Lettuce

Athelia rolfsii is one of the most destructive and aggressive fungal pathogens worldwide and causes southern blight disease of lettuce. A nonthermal atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has attracted interest as an alternative control method to chemical usage because of its antimicrobial activity. Exposure of A. rolfsii to DBD plasma for 5, 10, 15, and 20 min resulted in in vitro fungal inhibition of mycelial discs and sclerotia. The results showed that DBD plasma exposure for 10 min completely inhibited fungal growth of mycelial discs, whereas exposure for over 20 min was required to inhibit the hyphal growth of sclerotia. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations of mycelia and sclerotia abnormalities revealed laceration and damage of both mycelia and sclerotia. In addition, disease incidence and severity were reduced in mycelial and sclerotia inoculation following DBD plasma exposure for 15 and 20 min, respectively, compared with the positive control. In conclusion, the DBD plasma demonstrates antifungal activity against A. rolfsii via inhibition of fungal growth and reduction in disease incidence and severity. Therefore, DBD plasma has the potential to be applied in controlling southern blight disease of lettuce.

Processing laser ablated plasmonic nanoparticle aerosols with nonthermal dielectric barrier discharge jets of argon and helium and plasma induced effects

Dielectric-barrier-discharge (DBD) plasma jets provide viable state-of-the-art nonthermal processes for a wide range of nanomaterials including particle transport and deposition. We report the interaction of argon and helium plasma jets with the particle aerosol, produced by ns laser ablation of a silver target and subsequently their transport for deposition on a distant substrate. The nanofeatures and functionality of the nanoparticles, entrained and deposited with the two plasma jets were compared using high-resolution electron microscopy, helium ion microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and in terms of the SERS effect. The plasma jet facilitates the transport of the particle aerosol under the upshot of plasma ionic wind, caused by the high electric field in the plasma. Compared to the helium plasma jet, the argon plasma jet leads to a relatively large particle deposition and promotes the formation of aggregates. The helium plasma jet enabled the deposition of spatially well dispersed particles. In both cases, the deposited particle was crystalline and plasmonic active. The plasma-driven altered morphology, expedient particle transport, and formation of agglomerates or spatially well dispersed particles are explained in plasma-induced ionic-wind, and dusty plasma framework. The findings are novel and interesting from the perspective of plasma–surface deposition, surface nanoengineering, and nanomaterial processing for applications in sensing, catalysis, surgical tools, futuristic coating technology, and heat-sensible biological activities.

Dielectric barrier discharge plasma catalysis as an alternative approach for the synthesis of ammonia: a review.

Numerous researchers have attempted to provide mild reactions and environmentally-friendly methods for NH3 synthesis. Research on non-thermal plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis, notably the atmospheric-pressure nonthermal plasma synthesis of ammonia over catalysts, has recently gained attention in the academic literature. Since non-thermal plasma technology circumvents the existing crises and harsh conditions of the Haber-Bosch process, it can be considered as a promising alternative for clean synthesis of ammonia. Non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has been extensively employed in the synthesis of ammonia due to its particular advantages such as the simple construction of DBD reactors, atmospheric operation at ambient temperature, and low cost. The combination of this plasma and catalytic materials can remarkably affect ammonia formation, energy efficiency, and the generation of by-products. The present article reviews plasma-catalysis ammonia synthesis in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor and the parameters affecting this synthesis system. The proposed mechanisms of ammonia production by this plasma catalysis system are discussed as well.

수중 비열 유전체장벽 방전 플라즈마로 처리한 양식장 배출수의 수질 변화 특성

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of underwater non-thermal Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma(DBD plasma) on fish farm effluent. This experiment was conducted in the DBD plasma generator, and the voltages given to generate DBD plasma were 11.6 kV and 23.1 kV. The measurement intervals were 0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 minutes. As a result of the experiment, the change in water quality was proportional to the strength of the voltage and the treatment time. At 23.1 kV for 15 minutes, the water temperature was increased to 51.1%, the pH was decreased by 26.2%, the dissolved oxygen was reduced to 50.3%, the chemical oxygen demand was reduced to 19.1% and the suspended solids was decreased 17.9%. NH₄SUP+/SUP-N was decreased by 95.8%, while NO₂SUP-/SUP-N and NO₃SUP-/SUP-N were increased by 851.8% and 170.2%. The total bacteria number contained in the discharge water was removed 100% at 23.1 kV for 15 minute, and the coliform group was sterilized up to 100% at 23.1 kV for 10 minute. The DBD plasma technology was found to reduce the organic pollutants and have high sterilization power against microorganisms in fish farm effluent.

Effect of plasma treatment using underwater non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge to remove antibiotics added to fish farm effluent

Effect of plasma treatment using underwater non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge to remove antibiotics added to fish farm effluent

Bioactive Nonthermal Biocompatible Plasma Enhances Migration on Human Gingival Fibroblasts.

This study hypothesizes that the application of low-dose nonthermal biocompatible dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBD-NBP) to human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) will inhibit colony formation but not cell death and induce matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and subsequent cell migration, which can result in enhanced wound healing. HGFs treated with plasma for 3min migrate to each other across the gap faster than those in the control and 5-min treatment groups on days 1 and 3. The plasma-treated HGFs show significantly high expression levels of the cell cycle arrest-related p21 gene and enhanced MMP activity. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) mediated attenuation of wound healing or actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, and plasma-mediated reversal of this attenuation support the migratory effect of DBD-NBP. Further, this work performs computer simulations to investigate the effect of oxidation on the stability and conformation of the catalytic kinase domain (KD) of FAK. It is found that the oxidation of highly reactive amino acids (AAs) Cys427, Met442, Cys559, Met571, Met617, and Met643 changes the conformation and increases the structural flexibility of the FAK protein and thus modulates its function and activity. Low-dose DBD-NBP-induces host cell cycle arrest, ECM breakdown, and subsequent migration, thus contributing to the enhanced wound healing process.

Improved hydrogenation process for margarine production with no trans fatty acid formation by non-thermal plasma with needle-in-tube configuration

Non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma with needle-in-tube configuration was used to improve hydrogenation reaction for trans -fat free margarine production. Refined palm olein was used as raw material with operating conditions at ambient pressure, room temperature (29 °C) and no catalyst. Effects of hydrogen gas (H 2 ) concentration, input power, gas flow rate, discharge gap size and reaction time on fatty acid compositions and properties of hydrogenated refined palm olein after plasma treatment was evaluated. Lowest iodine value (IV) was achieved with reduction from 60.75 to 23.56 with increase in saturated fatty acid composition from 40.82 ± 0.05 to 68.70 ± 0.07% and decrease in unsaturated fatty acid composition from 59.11 ± 0.12 to 31.39 ± 0.01% under the condition of 0.5 L/min gas flow rate with 100% H 2 , 40 W input power, 0.5 cm gap size and 15 h reaction time. In addition, no trans -fat was detected by GC-MS analysis. Slip melting point (SMP) was increased from 9.33 ± 0.5 to 36.33 ± 0.5 °C. Acid value (AV) was reduced from 0.47 ± 0.02 to 0.32 ± 0.03 mg KOH/g oil. Texture of produced margarine was similar to that of commercial one. Generated hydrogen free radicals were hypothesized to perform hydrogenation by reacting with carbon-carbon double bonds (π-bonds), converting poly- and monounsaturated fatty acids into saturated ones. This highly effective catalyst-free plasma hydrogenation system can be used as alternative, environmentally friendly and economically feasible method to produce trans -fat free margarine. • Production of trans -fat free margarine via non-thermal plasma hydrogenation of palm olein. • Highly environmental-friendly, requiring no catalyst under low temperature and pressure. • Reduced acid value provides increased storage time and longer shelf life.

Organic pollutants degradation using plasma with simultaneous ammonification assisted by electrolytic two-cell system

Atmospheric non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has gained considerable attention due to its cost-efficiency, environmental friendliness, and simplicity. However, certain deficiencies restrict its broad application. Herein, the DBD plasma was used to disrupt three model pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), ibuprofen (IBP), and norfloxacin (NFX), by varying parameters, such as gas type (Ar, N2, O2, and air) and flow rate (1–4 L min−1). The air plasma discharge had the highest degradation efficiency, and the air flow rate was optimized at 2 L min−1. However, only 10% of IBP was removed by the sole plasma, whereas NFX and SMX were entirely removed after 30 min. Since the air plasma discharge generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in a chained reaction, the remaining NO2− and NO3− in the aqueous phase were problematic. Therefore, by coupling plasma with electrolysis using Cu/reduced Cu nanowire (R-CuNw) as the anode/cathode, all three PhACs were removed within 30 min, and NO2− and NO3− were completely reduced to NH3 with cathodic reduction. Moreover, the electrical energy per order (EEO, 0.04 kWh L−1) and treatment cost (0.003 USD L−1) were much lower than those of the single system. This system demonstrates great potential for water remediation, and the production of NH3 as a value-added by-product remarkably improves its practicality and is of great importance in agriculture and energy-related industries.

Solid-state modification of tapioca starch using atmospheric nonthermal dielectric barrier discharge argon and helium plasma

Starch modification utilizes a substantial amount of water. This research aimed to investigate the effect of nonthermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) argon and helium plasma on tapioca starch's physicochemical properties and techno-functionality. Dry starch samples were treated with plasma generated from argon and helium gases at different voltage levels (10 and 15 kV) for 5, 10, and 15 min. The treatment did not destroy the starch’s crystalline structure, as evidenced by the birefringence under polarized light. Scanning electron micrographs showed dented starch granules. A marginal decrease in pH value of all treated samples was noted. A reduction in amylose and amylopectin molecular weight and increased reducing sugars were observed in the treated samples. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed a slight change in the 1047/1022 cm−1 absorbance ratio, indicating a change in short-range ordered degree of starch, while X-ray diffractometry showed a decrease in crystallinity. A significant reduction in peak viscosity, breakdown, and setback was observed. The gelatinized plasma-treated starch dispersion showed less shear-thinning and less thixotropic with increasing voltage and treatment times. This research proved that modification of starch in the solid-state using nonthermal plasma is feasible.