Expertise

My research activities focus on experimental and numerical investigations on gas phase plasma chemistry, plasma-surface interaction, plasma-based gas conversion, liquid fuel reforming, and plasma-assisted combustion.

Technique

I can conduct systematic experiments for plasma-based applications, specifically low temperature plasma as dielectric barrier discharge reactor and in-liquid plasma reactor. Additionally, I can run numerical simulations using various Software (COMSOL multiphysics, ZDPlaskin, CHEMKIN, Fluent Ansys, Cantera, ect.). I could develop in-house code for the oriented purpose. I can design the reactor with SolidWorks, CAD, CATIA, etc.

Users

One who is looking for the novel applications in green chemistry, thus electrification of the energy sectors, can access my expertise.

Keywords

Engineering, Dynamics, Drawing

Combination of experimental and computational research on plasmas and plasma-surface interactions for various applications: 1) Plasma-based gas conversion and plasma catalysis for CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals and fuels, N2 fixation from the air to produce building blocks for our life (e.g. fertilizers), CH4 conversion into H2 (and value-added carbon) and into higher hydrocarbons (e.g., ethylene, acetylene) and oxygenates,... This includes experiments in various types of plasma reactors to improve the conversion, selectivity and energy efficiency, as well as modeling the plasma chemistry, plasma reactor design and plasma-surface interactions. 2) Plasma treatment of cancer cells: pancreatic cancer, melanoma, glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer,... Study of the mechanisms of selective cancer treatment by comparison with normal cells. In-vitro (on 2D but also 3D models, like spheroids and organoids, that more closely mimic tumors), in-ovo and in-vivo experiments, with various types of plasma sources. For cancer treatment, major focus is on the combination with immunotherapy, in collaboration with E. Smits (CORE). Besides cancer treatment, we also focus on virus killing. Besides experiments, we also perform computer modeling of the plasma chemistry in the various plasma sources, and of the interaction of plasma species with biomolecules. 3) Plasma-liquid interaction, for medical applications: Study of the behavior of plasma species in liquid. 4) Plasmas for analytical chemistry, materials science and micro-electronics applications: modeling the plasma chemistry for various gas mixtures and in various types of plasma reactors.

Technique

1) Various gliding arc plasma reactors, atmospheric pressure glow discharges, microwave plasmas and dielectric barrier discharge plasmas, as well as analysis equipment (GC, MS, non-dispersive IR/UR, optical sensors) for gas conversion. 2) Several plasma jets and DBD plasmas for direct treatment of cancer cells, or treatment of liquid media (plasma treated liquids, PTLs) to be used for treatment of cancer cells. Research in collaboration with Evelien Smits (Center for Oncological Research) and W. Vandenberghe (research group PPES, Biomedical Department) for cancer cell culture and characterization. 3) Various types of models: quasi-1D chemical reaction kinetics models, 2D/3D fluid dynamics simulations, Monte Carlo, particle-in-cell Monte Carlo, hybrid models, molecular dynamics, density functional theory simulations.

Users

1) Chemical companies (interested in conversion of greenhouse gases and waste streams in value-added chemicals), Energy companies, Petrochemistry 2) Cancer researchers, hospitals 3) Microelectronics sector

Keywords

Plasma, Cancer cells, Cancer treatment, Chemical process, Plasma catalysis, Co2 conversion, Chemical synthesis

Experimental plasma-assisted conversion of ethanol into hydrogen.

Technique

Optical emission spectroscopy.

Users

Hydrogen producers.

Keywords

Plasma physics, Plasma reactor, Plasma chemistry

Investigation of the chemical reactions occurring in plasma-liquid systems. These include interface and bulk reactions. My specific expertise is in the analysis of the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated by cold plasmas, tailoring their output by plasmas, and related biomedical research. I also investigate possibilities of green chemical processes with cold plasma reactions, either radical initiation or direct sustainable synthesis.

Technique

Chemical analysis of plasma-liquid interactions, involving short- and long-lived reactive species generated by plasma in and in contact with liquids. Analytical methods include fluorimetry, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), etc.

Users

Companies and individuals in food industry, manufacturers of biomedical plasma devices, plasma in industrial processes (catalysis, sustainable and green chemistry, etc.)

Keywords

Sustainable chemistry, Plasma chemistry

I am a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Antwerp in the field of non-thermal plasma medicine. My research aims to understand plasma-cell interactions and develop non-thermal plasma systems for biomedical applications. Topics of Investigation: 1) Electrical and chemical characterization of plasma treatment regimes for biological applications (e.g. cancer immunotherapy, surface decontamination, neuroregeneration) 2) Development of plasma devices and systems for medical applications including robotics and neural network integration 3) Modulation of tumor-expressing immunosuppressive signals via wet lab experiments and computational modelling 4) Plasma-induced intracellular pathways for sensitivity and resistance development via cancer bioinformatics tools 5) Plasma effects on immunogenic cell death (ICD), tumor microenvironment (TME), epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis 6) Combination cancer therapies with plasma 7) Plasma-induced cell death mechanisms

Technique

1) Non-thermal plasma device operations 2) Detection of reactive oxygen species using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, colorimetric assays, UV-Vis spectrophotometry. 3) Power measurements of high voltage plasma systems. 4) 2D (monolayer) and 3D cell culture using spheroids or the live avian egg model 5) In vitro wet lab work and assays including flow cytometry, tissue immunohistochemistry, and image-based analysis with the Incucyte and Tecan Spark Cyto 6) In vivo work with murine cancer models (FELAS C certified) 7) Cancer bioinformatics 8) Robotics development and control

Users

1) Chemists 2) Plasma physicists 3) Oncologists and clinicians 4) Biomedical engineers 5) Medical device companies 6) Robotics and computer engineers

Keywords

Biomedical engineering, Applied physics, Non-thermal plasma medicine, Plasma chemistry

I have recently become a research manager for the sustainable research in PLASMANT. My research expertise is: plasma science, heterogeneous catalysis, spectroscopy, gas analysis and characterisation, material characterisation, kinetic modelling of gas-phase and surface systems. My research work in the group was focused on generation of renewable energy and conversion of greenhouse gases into useful and value-added chemicals. My research involves the physico-chemical characterisation of non-oxidative methane conversion under nano-second pulsed plasma discharges via quasi-1D modelling computational approach. Additionally, we aim to look at the role played by heterogenous catalysts following the plasma discharges and investigate reactor design to achieve optimum methane conversion rates. These aspects are also studied using computational and modelling approaches.

Technique

Catalysis Plasma ZDPlasKin Surface modelling Python coding Python COMSOL X-Ray diffraction FTIR UV-Visible spectroscopy Raman spectroscopy XPS

Users

Plasma science Material Scientists Catalyst Scientists Spectroscopists Kinetic modelling Surface modelling Fluid modelling

Keywords

Energy storage, Modelling, Catalysis, Sustainability, Energy and environment, Energy, Spectroscopy, Plasma

I began my PhD research in 2002 by investigating the plasma chemical kinetics of glow discharge interactions with polymers. Since then, all my research activities have been carried out in the fields of plasma chemistry, plasma technology, and plasma diagnostics. The results of the projects obtained during the period 2001-2004 lead to Ph.D. in Chemistry. In the period from 2025-2006 I was a post-doc at the Department of Applied Physics, Ghent University working on plasma-liquids interactions. From the year 2009, I was affiliated with Gent University, Department of Applied Physics. My work later expanded to the interactions of plasma with liquids, solids, and nanomaterials, where I applied my expertise to develop new plasma process approaches, design various plasma reactors, and use them to address urgent problems in environmental chemistry, gas reforming, water treatment, and nano-materials engineering. Throughout my scientific career, I have consistently fostered collaborations with top-level research groups and worked on challenging problems as part of a team with many PhD students and colleagues. My research activity is essentially experimental activity that focuses on the non-equilibrium chemistry, plasma diagnostics, plasma technology and nano-materials synthesis. On-going studies bear on plasma-surface interactions, new methods of chemical synthesis in liquid phase, gas reforming and radical chemistry in highly non-equilibrium conditions as well as advanced methods of plasma diagnostics. From the year 2009 under my supervision, 17 Ph.D. students successfully finished the studying program.

Technique

My methodological expertise spans a broad range of experimental techniques, diagnostic tools, and custom engineering solutions developed through years of hands-on research: 1. High-Voltage Engineering, Pulsed Power, and Reactor Design I specialise in the design and development of custom plasma reactors, particularly those operating under atmospheric pressure conditions. My technical capability includes working with high-voltage techniques and development high-voltage power supplies tailored to non-equilibrium plasma generation. Furthermore, I have extensive experience with pulsed power technology, specifically nanosecond (ns) pulsed power systems, which are crucial for generating highly reactive, non-thermal plasma environments efficiently. 2. Advanced Plasma Diagnostics and Real-Time Optical Control To probe complex plasma kinetics and non-equilibrium chemistry, I utilize a wide array of advanced diagnostic methods including (i) Optical Spectroscopy: Expertise in time-resolved, fast optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and absorption spectroscopy to track short-lived radical species and excited states; (ii) Laser-Based Diagnostics: Hands-on application of Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF) and Two-Photon Absorption Laser-Induced Fluorescence (TALIF) for quantitative detection of reactive species, alongside Laser Rayleigh and Raman scattering for measuring gas temperature, density, and chemical composition; (iii) Real-Time Data Processing: Proficient in real-time image processing and optical control within the LabVIEW environment, allowing for precise dynamic monitoring and feedback control during plasma operations. 3. Analytical Chemistry and Materials Characterisation Complementing plasma diagnostic capabilities, I possess ample expertise in core analytical chemistry and surface characterisation techniques to evaluate chemical products, liquid phase transformations, and nanomaterials: (i) Spectroscopic Methods: UV/VIS spectrophotometry and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for chemical compound identification and reaction monitoring; (ii) Mass Spectrometry & Imaging: Mass spectrometry for detailed gas-phase and byproduct analysis, combined with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for investigating surface morphology, plasma-material interactions, and synthesized nanostructures.

Users

1. Industrial & Commercial Sectors Companies in the environmental and chemical industries can leverage my expertise of green chemistry, advanced gas reforming, and non-equilibrium radical chemistry to electrify industrial processes. Clean-tech and energy enterprises can also apply my approaches to gas reforming and sustainable fuel production. Water and wastewater treatment organisations can benefit from plasma technology and research under my supervision into plasma-liquid interactions to purify complex industrial streams. Additionally, nanotechnology and advanced materials manufacturers involved in nanomaterial engineering, liquid-phase synthesis, polymer processing, and reactor design can partner to optimize their high-performance materials. 2. Academic & Research Institutions Fellow researchers and academic departments specializing in plasma physics, applied physics, non-equilibrium plasma chemistry, and advanced optical and plasma diagnostics can engage with me in joint experimental initiatives. Materials science teams investigating plasma-surface, plasma-solid, and plasma-liquid interactions can collaborate with me on novel synthesis techniques. Furthermore, prospective PhD candidates and early-career researchers seeking expert mentorship, hands-on experimental research, and doctoral supervision can benefit from my extensive background in leading research teams. 3. Policy Makers & Environmental Agencies Governmental bodies, environmental protection agencies, and sustainability boards seeking innovative technological solutions for eco-friendly chemical manufacturing, advanced water decontamination, and industrial emission reduction can utilize my technical insights to inform policy and support sustainable industrial transitions.

Keywords

Plasma reactor, Plasma chemistry, Radical reactions

Application of low-temperature plasmas for cancer research using 3-dimensional in vitro models and in ovo TUM-CAM model Study of the effect of plasma-generated reactive species in the tumor microenvironment, pancreatic cancer cells and stellate cells, with specific emphasis on the role of stellate cells in the migration of cancer cells upon treatment Live imaging of 3D spheroids, assessment of viability, cell death. Analysis of proliferative markers, extracellular matrix components, hypoxia by immunohistochemistry / immunofluorescence Multi-arrays for 3~D spheroids in paraffin, cryosectioning

Technique

• Cell culture • Light & fluorescence microscopy • 3D in vitro tumor models • Evaluation of vaccine candidates in vitro • IHC/IF, tissue processing • Method development • In ovo TUM-CAM model • Microbiological techniques

Users

Any group willing to work with 3D spheroids in vitro, TUM-CAM model for angiogenesis and cancer research, use of low-temperature plasmas for biomedical purposes

Keywords

Atmospheric plasma, Live cell imaging, Immunohistochemistry, In vitro culture, Microscopy (fluorescence), Anticancer agents, Cancer research, 3d spheroid model, Chicken chorioallantoic membrane model

I am a researcher in plasma science and engineering, with expertise in plasma catalysis, non-thermal plasma reactors, and sustainable chemical conversion processes. My research focuses on the utilization of plasma-catalytic systems for CO₂ conversion, particularly CO₂ hydrogenation to methanol and the reverse water-gas shift reaction. I develop and optimize advanced reactor concepts, including dielectric barrier discharges, corona discharges, gliding arc plasmas, and structured plasma-catalytic reactors based on monolithic and porous catalytic materials.

Technique

-Design, operation, and optimization of non-thermal plasma reactors (DBD, corona discharge, gliding arc, micro discharge systems) -Plasma-catalytic reactor development and scale-up -Catalyst synthesis, modification, and performance evaluation -Plasma diagnostics (optical emission spectroscopy, electrical characterization, gas analysis) -Online and offline product quantification (GC, FTIR, mass balance analysis) -Experimental design and data validation -Development of structured catalytic materials, including monoliths and foams

Users

My expertise may benefit: -Chemical, petrochemical, and process industries -Sustainable energy and green hydrogen sectors -Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) stakeholders -Catalyst and reactor manufacturers -Environmental technology companies -Research institutes and universities working on plasma technology, catalysis, and energy transition -Governmental and policy organizations involved in decarbonization and circular carbon technologies -Companies developing electrified chemical processes and Power-to-X technologies

Keywords

Experimental study, Nitric oxide synthesis

I am an expert in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), plasma physics, and multi-physics modeling. More specifically, I have focused on fluid turbulence, fluid plasma modeling and plasma reactor design. I have experience in designing and constructing various plasma reactors for gas conversion applications. Additionally, I have experience in analog electronics and electromagnetic simulations (for antennas and radio-frequency elements).

Technique

My research techniques include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling using COMSOL and OpenFOAM. I also use COMSOL for multi-physics modeling, and Ansys HFSS for electromagnetic modeling. I have carried out various electrical measurements for high voltage (in plasma reactors), and have analysed gases by the means of gas chromatography. I also use LTspice for analog electronics design.

Users

Companies and institutions involved in: green chemistry, fluid dynamics, plasma sources, chemical reactors, combustion, energy storage, renewable energy, surface coating, surface sterilization, metallurgy, gas analysis, electromagnetic design, analog electronics.

Keywords

Heat exchange, Electronics, Plasma modeling, Physics, Plasma reactor, Fluid dynamics, Physical chemistry

My research expertise covers the following subdomains of physics and chemistry: - physics of liquid matter (liquid structure, equilibrium and non-equilibrium thermodynamics) - physics of phase transitions - physics of the gas-liquid interface - plasma-liquid interaction - plasma-solid interaction (plasma etching) - plasma formation in the liquid phase - dense plasmas - gas chemistry of plasmas - advanced oxidation technology - LC-MS analysis

Technique

Experimental: - plasma diagnostics (optical emission spectroscopy, ICCD imaging, electrical analysis) - chemical analysis (HPLC-MS, GC-MS, UV-vis-IR absorption spectroscopy, chemical probes) Simulations: - kinetic modelling of plasma gas chemistry - Monte Carlo simulation of surface chemistry - hybrid plasma equipment model (HPEM) for plasma etching Theoretical research and literature study

Users

The first "fundamental focus group" encompasses everyone who is interested in the fundamental behavior of liquids, gas-liquid interfaces, plasma-matter interaction and electrical breakdown in the condensed phase. The second "application focus group" concerns everyone who wants to appeal to related methods, such as simulations and experimental research of the above phenomena, particularly with an eye on biomedical en agricultural applications, green chemistry, water treatment and surface treatment or plasma etching.

Keywords

Plasma physics, Plasma chemistry, Condensed matter physics, Plasma modeling, Phase transitions, Plasma diagnostics, Liquids, Plasma etching, Physics of liquid matter, Plasma-astrophysics

Specialization in the clinical translation of immunotherapeutic cell products for pediatric cancers and the development of advanced brain and head and neck tumor models.

Technique

Advanced 3D in vitro and in vivo tumor models, flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD, immunohistochemistry, immunological co-culture read-outs.

Users

Children with high-grade gliomas are the primary target group for our novel cell therapies. Current therapies have shortcomings, and the demand for additional treatment options is significant. Development of and expertise in new cell therapies is of interest for researchers in the academic field, the biotech and pharmaceutical sector, and the clinic, to ultimately improve the management of hard-to-treat cancers.

Keywords

Brain tumors, Cancer immunology, Cell therapy