Our laboratory is equipped with a range of plasma reactors, gas handling and gas analysis equipment. We have FTIR spectrometers equipped with long-path gas cells, GC, THC, O2, NOx and COx analysis.
Plasma Methods for Hydrocarbon Transformations and Reforming
We have recently become part of a major new UK initiative intended to deliver innovative technologies for the production of clean, low cost sustainable hydrogen energy. Funded under the Research Councils SUPERGEN programme, the Delivery of Sustainable Hydrogen (H-Delivery) consortia (SUPERGEN 14) has been awarded an initial grant of £5m over 4 years (EPSRC award ref: EP/G01244X/1) from the 1 October 2008. The H-Delivery consortium brings together a world class interdisciplinary research team – spanning the physical sciences, engineering and social sciences - from 13 leading UK universities. This work continues initial studies funded by the Joule Centre for Energy Research
In the project, non-thermal plasma, atmospheric pressure plasma processing is being investigated for the conversion of hydrocarbons such as methane into cleaner fuels(e.g. hydrogen and methanol) in an energy efficient and sustainable way. In particular, the combination of a plasma discharge (DBD and gliding arc) in conjunction with a catalyst is being used to improve the overall conversion of the hydrocarbon and to optimise the selectivity for the production of hydrogen, methanol or more valuable feedstocks. We are also investigating using plasma methods for the low temperature reduction of reforming catalysts and the growth of carbon nanofibres on metal catalysts.
Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) is being as a plasma diagnostic method to probe the reactive intermediates and determine the temperatures of different species in the plasma together with time resolved photography.
Plasma Clean-up of Decontaminated Oils
The combination of plasma discharges with liquids for waste purification is a relatively new field which has considerable potential for recovery or disposal. This project, sponsored by the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency, applies non-thermal plasma treatment for the decontamination of radioactive waste, mainly oils but also solvents that could be low or intermediate level waste (LLW or ILW). These could include compounds as tributylphosphate (TBP) and kerosene either alone or as mixtures. Several plasma methods (packed bed reactors and gliding arc) and processing variables will be examined to establish the decontamination potential of these compounds. Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) is being as a plasma diagnostic method to probe the reactive intermediates and determine the temperatures of different species in the plasma.
The Use of Plasma-assisted Catalysis for the Removal of Volatile Organic Species from Waste Gas Streams
This is a project in which we are performing a systematic investigation into the technology of plasma-assisted catalysis for the destruction of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) in atmospheric pressure waste gas streams for a range of catalysts and VOC's, particularly chlorinated solvents and CFC's . The use of plasma-activated catalysis reduces problems associated with high temperature operation of catalysts such as poisoning, coking and sintering. Catalytic surface chemistry will be incorporated into our existing computer models.
Modelling the Chemistry of Plasma Discharges
We are developing computer based modelling techniques to describe the chemistry that takes part in a plasma discharge. These models describe the electrical properties and gas dynamics of the plasma and incorporate the chemical reactions of the excited atoms and molecules and of the free radicals that are involved in the plasma processing. The modelling is validated by experimental studies with the aim of producing an interpretative computer-based kinetic model that can form the basis of a future predictive mechanism to aid the development of new designs. We have successfully modelled the destruction of methane, propene and methylene dichloride in non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas and we are collaborated with Accentus (formerly AEA Technology) on modelling work associated with the clean-up of diesel exhausts using plasmas including the gas-surface chemistry associated with soot removal.
The Use of Plasma Technology for the Purification of Indoor Air
Plasma discharges in air are known to produce ozone which is very effective at sterilising air and killing airborne bacteria and odours. We have developed a new form of plasma reactor which is suitable for safely treating indoor air. A University spin-out company, Plasma Clean Ltd., was formed in 2004 to commercialise this technology. This work is being developed into producing commercial products for microbiological air purification, odour removal, ozone generation and removal of VOC's.
Real Time Control for the processing of Atmospheric pressure Gas Streams using Non-Thermal Plasmas
This project was funded by EPSRC. Its aim is to develop and demonstrate computer-based methods utilising feedback control for the automatic operation of non-thermal, atmospheric pressure plasma systems for the remediation of polluted gas streams. The efficiency of the processing is determined using real-time FTIR spectroscopy. PID, neural networks and fuzzy logic control algorithms are used for the computer control of the processing. This project is being jointly undertaken with Dr Peter Gorry