Exhaust air purification and indoor air hygiene

Plasma processes are generally very successful in breaking down harmful germs, but above all also pollutants or at least undesirable chemical compounds in air and exhaust gases. These can be volatile hydrocarbons (VOCs) and odors, but also unwanted emissions such as carbon dioxide. The COVID pandemic has also brought the elimination of airborne germs back into focus. The possible uses for plasma technology are just as diverse as the various fields of application and appropriate solutions can be developed in a targeted manner. This can involve the removal of microorganisms and ripening gases in the storage of fruit and vegetables or the purification of room air to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in office buildings, hospitals or even cruise ships. The degradation of pollutants, e.g. nitrogen oxides and sulphur compounds, in exhaust gas streams from industrial plants or combustion engines also offers opportunities for the use of plasmas. Especially for the conversion of carbon dioxide, plasma processes have explicit and unique potential for controlling the chemical processes involved. For this reason, the research focus "Agriculture, Bioeconomy and Environment" also works closely with the research focus "Plasma Chemical Processes" to understand and develop the area of exhaust and ambient air.