Microwave Plasma for Surface Treatment and Hydrogen Production

Atmospheric pressure plasmas, unlike low-pressure plasma or high-pressure plasma, do not require a reaction vessel to maintain a pressure level or gas atmospheres different from atmospheric pressure. Such plasmas are used at low current densities to activate surfaces. In addition to the classical states of matter (solid, liquid and gas), plasma is often referred to as the "fourth" state of matter, since it has a different character compared to the classical three states. By plasma is meant a strongly ionized gas, which is very different from usual gases. In addition to the neutral particles in the plasma (atoms and molecules), there are mobile charge carriers in the form of electrons and ions. These can be charged atoms or charged molecular residues.