On 27 May 2025 Xingyu Chen will defend her thesis called 'The Plasma–Solid Oxide Interface: An experimental study of plasma-enhanced surface processes'.
- Promoter: prof. dr. ir. M.C.M. van de Sanden
- Co-promotor: prof. dr. G. Zhang (Xi’an Jiaotong University)
Summary
At the intersection of two key technological frontiers – renewable energy integration and carbon dioxide utilization – there is an opportunity to simultaneously address Earth’s climate change challenges and improve Mars exploration capabilities. This thesis investigates how these challenges can work together to develop systems that effectively integrate renewable energy into existing infrastructure while converting CO2 into valuable products.
The research first tackles a critical obstacle to renewable energy transmission—the challenge of transmitting power across long distances. The researcher developed a solution by treating electrical insulation material with atmospheric plasma containing helium, carbon tetrafluoride, and carbon dioxide. The modified materials show improved surface flash strength and resistivity, resulting in superior insulation that supports efficient energy transmission—a crucial advancement for integrating renewables into existing power grids.
The second major innovation comes in the form of an integrated system that combines plasma technology with solid oxide electrolyte cells to transform carbon dioxide using renewable electricity. The system showed a dramatic 183% increase in oxygen pumping performance at an intermediate temperature when exposed to helium-oxygen plasma compared to conventional operation. When processing carbon dioxide, the system's oxygen pumping capacity increased nearly nine-fold at optimal conditions while CO2 conversion was also improved. This technology offers more efficient oxygen production-addressing a critical challenge for Martian missions.
This research offers dual benefits for both Earth and Mars. Here on our planet, it enhances carbon recycling capabilities supporting a circular economy, improves energy efficiency in CO2 conversion, and advances materials for renewable energy infrastructure. For future Mars missions, the same technology enables more efficient oxygen production at lower temperatures, allowing for more compact, energy-efficient life-support systems suitable for the Martian environment. By bridging terrestrial climate solutions with space exploration technology, this research creates valuable synergies between solving Earth's environmental challenges and enabling humanity's next giant leap to Mars.
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