( <i>Invited</i> ) Plasma Electrochemistry: New Opportunities for Revolutionizing Goods Production

It is well-recognized that non-thermal (non-equilibrium) plasmas have played a critical, if unsung, role in every day technologies, and really, our modern way of life. The microchips and processors that make up our phones, computers, and the entire information technology ecosystem all utilized plasma processing at some point in the manufacturing chain. While microfabrication technologies such as etching and sputtering are well developed and commercially deployed, the next evolution of plasma processing will expand the types and kinds of goods beyond electronics to include fertilizers, high-value chemicals, metals, and more, helping create a more energy resilient and security robust manufacturing sector. Plasma electrochemistry, also known as glow discharge electrolysis, describes electrolysis where one of the solid electrodes is replaced by an atmospheric-pressure plasma. The physics and chemistry promoted by the plasma at the gas-liquid interface can affect a wide variety of chemical and materials processes, such that plasma-liquid systems have significant disruptive potential for goods production. This talk will overview recent work on bulk-phase chemical and metal production using plasma electrolysis without the need for catalysts [1] as well as the integration of plasma electrolysis into additive manufacturing [2], where a plasma in contact with aerosols containing functional inks accelerates and improves the printing process. The talk will overview both fundamental work on the plasma-liquid interface and also discuss specific application demonstrations that highlight recent advances as well as the need for continued research and development to move the field toward practical technologies. [1] Martin, D.C., Elg, D.T., Delgado, H.E., Nguyen, H.M., Rumbach, P., Bartels, D.M. and Go, D.B., 2024. Optical and Chemical Measurements of Solvated Electrons Produced in Plasma Electrolysis with a Water Cathode. Langmuir , 40(28), pp.14224-14232. [2] Du, Y., Yang, J., Song, K., Jiang, Q., Bappy, M.O., Zhu, Y., Go, D.B. and Zhang, Y., 2025. Autonomous Aerosol and Plasma Co‐Jet Printing of Metallic Devices at Ambient Temperature. Small , 21 (11), p.2409751.