Science Challenges in Low Temperature Plasma Science and Engineering: Enabling a Future Based on Electricity through Non-Equilibrium Plasma Chemistry

TL;DR

This paper discusses the scientific challenges and potential of Low Temperature Plasmas (LTPs) in converting electricity into chemical reactivity, aiming to support sustainable technologies and a renewable energy future.

Contribution

It provides a roadmap identifying key scientific challenges in LTP science and engineering for enabling sustainable chemical and material production.

Findings

LTPs can enable sustainable chemical processes.

Addressing scientific challenges is crucial for technological advancement.

Workshop results guide future research priorities.

Abstract

The science and technology of Low Temperature Plasmas (LTPs) harbor dynamic and versatile methods of converting the potential energy of electricity to chemical reactivity, thereby enabling the Future Based on Renewable Electricity (FBRE). Research on LTPs connects fields as diverse as engineering, plasma physics, biology and medicine, and so LTPs embody the definition of convergent research. This research will give rise to sustainable products, carbon neutral chemicals, medical advances, recovered resources, advanced materials, improved food and water security, and environmental stewardship. LTP science, if properly stewarded, has the potential to develop technologies capable of converting electricity into chemical reactivity and new materials at the scale, efficiency, and selectivity required to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society in a sustainable way. To achieve these goals, significant scientific challenges must be addressed and a programmatic home for LTPs established. The workshop, Science Challenges in Low Temperature Plasma Science and Engineering: Enabling a Future Based on Electricity through Non-Equilibrium Plasma Chemistry, was held at the NSF in August 2016 to develop a roadmap reflecting the highest impact, highest return scientific challenges in LTPs in the context of controlling chemical reactivity for a sustainable future. This report summarizes their findings of the Workshop.