Optimization of Flexible Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge Electrodes for the Purpose of In-Package Deactivation of Fresh Produce

Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharges have been gaining interests in recent years due to their low operating voltage and the fact that the treatment substrate is not part of the electrical circuit. Hence, SDBDs are ideal for applications such as wound healing and in-package inactivation. [1] In this study, flexible SDBD electrodes were characterized for the purpose of disinfection of fresh produce. Different electrode geometries were investigated using optical emission spectroscopy, voltage and current analysis, and optical absorption spectroscopy for the determination of ozone concentrations, for different frequencies and voltages. Optical emission spectroscopy in conjunction with numerical simulation was used to determine gas temperature and reduced electric field of the discharges. It was found that the lattice size and structure of the electrode have a strong effect on the measured gas temperature, possibly giving another method for controlling down phase gas chemistry. Finally, voltage and current measurements were conducted on different electrode shapes and geometries and combined with an adjusted SDBD equivalent circuit model.[2] This model allows for determination of dielectric capacitance, plasma resistance, and plasma power. The results indicate that the dielectric capacitance increases linearly with voltage while plasma power increases quadratically. The obtained results taken together inform the operating conditions needed for optimal treatment of fresh produce.



[1] J. Xie et al, "Paper-based plasma sanitizers," Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., vol. 114, (20), pp. 5119, 2017. . DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1621203114.



[2] D. Trosan et al.” Analysis of the Effects of Complex Electrode Geometries on the Energy Deposition and Electric Field Measurements of Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharges " (submitted)