Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Foreword
- Preface
- 1 Introduction to Theoretical and Applied Plasma Chemistry
- 2 Elementary Plasma-Chemical Reactions
- 3 Plasma-Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Electrodynamics
- 4 Electric Discharges in Plasma Chemistry
- 5 Inorganic Gas-Phase Plasma Decomposition Processes
- 6 Gas-Phase Inorganic Synthesis in Plasma
- 7 Plasma Synthesis, Treatment, and Processing of Inorganic Materials, and Plasma Metallurgy
- 8 Plasma-Surface Processing of Inorganic Materials: Micro- and Nano-Technologies
- 9 Organic and Polymer Plasma Chemistry
- 10 Plasma-Chemical Fuel Conversion and Hydrogen Production
- 11 Plasma Chemistry in Energy Systems and Environmental Control
- 12 Plasma Biology and Plasma Medicine
- References
- Index
Foreword
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 August 2009
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Foreword
- Preface
- 1 Introduction to Theoretical and Applied Plasma Chemistry
- 2 Elementary Plasma-Chemical Reactions
- 3 Plasma-Chemical Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Electrodynamics
- 4 Electric Discharges in Plasma Chemistry
- 5 Inorganic Gas-Phase Plasma Decomposition Processes
- 6 Gas-Phase Inorganic Synthesis in Plasma
- 7 Plasma Synthesis, Treatment, and Processing of Inorganic Materials, and Plasma Metallurgy
- 8 Plasma-Surface Processing of Inorganic Materials: Micro- and Nano-Technologies
- 9 Organic and Polymer Plasma Chemistry
- 10 Plasma-Chemical Fuel Conversion and Hydrogen Production
- 11 Plasma Chemistry in Energy Systems and Environmental Control
- 12 Plasma Biology and Plasma Medicine
- References
- Index
Summary
Although the public understanding of plasmas may be limited to plasma TVs, low-temperature plasma processes are beginning to enter into a higher level of consciousness due to the importance of plasma in many aspects of technological developments. The use of plasma for industrial purposes began more than 100 years ago with plasma sources used to produce light. Since then, plasma processes have emerged in transforming wide-ranging technologies, including microelectronics, gas lasers, polymers and novel materials, protective coatings, and water purification, and finally found their ubiquitous place in our homes. Plasma systems or plasma-treated materials are now commonly used and can be found in air-cleaning systems; food containers; fruit, meat, and vegetable treatment; fabrics; and medical devices.
In recent years, new application areas of plasma chemistry and plasma processing have been established, such as plasma nanotechnology with the continuous growth of the “dusty plasmas” domain, plasma production and modification of nanotubes, plasma aerodynamics, and plasma ignition and stabilization of flames. With the recent emphasis on alternative energy and environmental concerns, plasma chemistry has revolutionized hydrogen production, biomass conversion, and fuel-cell technology. In the same manner, the use of non-thermal plasmas in biology and medicine will likely “explode” in the coming years for various applications. Plasma is expected to soon be widely used in surgery, decontamination and sterilization of surfaces and devices, and air and water streams, as well as in tissue engineering and direct treatment of skin diseases.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Plasma Chemistry , pp. xxxix - xlPublisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2008