What if one technology could help tackle climate change on Earth and support future missions to Mars? A recent PhD study shows that this is not just science fiction, but a promising reality. On Tuesday 27 May 2025 PhD researcher Xingyu Chen defended her thesis called ‘The Plasma–Solid Oxide Interface: An experimental study of plasma-enhanced surface processes'.
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. Chen: “My 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.”
Actions are urgently needed, evidenced by the fact that 2024 has been confirmed to be the warmest year in global temperature records since 1850. The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases, like CO₂, can be seen as the primary cause of this global warming. Chen: “CO₂ is a molecule that is abundant; both on Earth and Mars we have too much of it. Why not using it to obtain new materials? And taking local CO₂ to generate oxygen and use it on Mars?”
From obstacles to innovations
One key obstacle to renewable energy transmission is efficiently transmitting electricity over long distances. Chen developed a solution by treating electrical insulation material with atmospheric plasma containing helium, carbon tetrafluoride, and carbon dioxide. The result? 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 is an integrated system that combines plasma technology with solid oxide electrolyte cells (SOECs). This system uses renewable electricity to convert CO₂ while simultaneously producing oxygen. When exposed to a helium-oxygen plasma, the system’s oxygen output increased by 183% at intermediate temperatures. Under optimal conditions, oxygen production during CO₂ processing increased nearly ninefold, while CO₂ conversion also improved.
Chen: “The oxygen separating part (SOEC) I build by myself. Further developing the BABE reactor, for me literally felt like growing a baby. It took me two years to make this device working. I came at DIFFER in October 2020, so I started during the covid period. Not an easy time to start, and I really want to thank my DIFFER support facility colleagues that helped me in that period.”
Applications for Earth and Mars
This technology offers benefits on two fronts. On Earth it enhances CO₂ recycling supporting a circular economy, it 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 Mars’ environment.
After her promotion, Chen will continue working at DIFFER as a postdoc researcher, with Richard van de Sanden as her supervisor. “I am continuing working on my research, as there are still some scientific challenges left. Besides that, I will be working on the collaboration DIFFER has with Jiaco Instruments. Together, we will be diving deep intoresearch on the fundamentals of Microwave Induced Plasma. I’m looking forward to bringing my plasma diagnostic expertise into this industrial application.”
Read more about Chen's PhD defense on the TU/e website.
Author: Rianne van Hoek
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