Authors: Bahl Renu | B. R. Srivatsa Kumar | C. Balasubramanian | Chandwani Nisha | C. P. Anil Kumar | Chowdhury Jugal | Dave Purvi | G Agrajit | Gupta Suryakant | Hussain Amreen | Jain Vishal | Jamnapara Nirav | Jhala Ghanshyam | Alphonsa Joseph | Kalaria Keena | Khodiyar Bhoomi | Prashant Kumar | Rajesh Kumar | Kumar Sunil | Kumar Mritunjay | M. Mariammal | N. Rajanbabu | S. K. Nema | P. Murugan | Rane Ramkrishna | Rathore Vikas | Singh Narender | Vaghela Naresh | Vaid Akshay | Yadav Rana Pratap
Source: Transactions of Indian National Academy of Engineering (article, 2025-06-10)
Field: Materials Science — Materials Chemistry

Green Technologies from Plasmas Abstract Plasma, the fourth state of matter, has properties that are very different from the other three states, viz., solid, liquid and gas. Plasmas exist over a range of orders of magnitude in density and temperature and can have any elemental composition, depending upon the starting (“plasmagen”) material. Hence the reactive, thermodynamic and transport properties of a plasma, composed of a given mixture of elements, vary over a wide range. Hot plasmas are of particular interest for the development of Nuclear Fusion systems. Cold/warm plasmas, on the other hand, lend themselves to a variety of societal applications, covering areas like waste disposal, industrial applications, textiles, agriculture, medicine/health, aerospace, hydrogen production, defence &amp; space. Surveys have shown that the market for applications of Cold Plasmas is expanding rapidly, and a large number of organisations around the world, both public and private, are engaged in developing technologies and their commercialisation. Over the past three decades, the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), a Grant-in-Aid Institute of the Dept. of Atomic Energy, has been developing a range of societal applications. These applications are at various Technology Readiness Levels (TRL), ranging from R&amp;D to Technology Demonstrator to Mature technologies, with several technologies patented and technology transferred to industry for commercial deployment. Examples include Plasma Pyrolysis for the safe disposal of different kinds of waste (biomedical, industrial solvents, etc.) and for Waste-to-Energy conversion; plasma processing for improving the properties of Textiles and Wool without using chemicals; plasma-based Nano-power production; glass-like coatings on metals &amp; food packaging as oxidation barriers; enhancing the life of industrial tools &amp; components by plasma nitriding &amp; carburizing without using harmful chemicals; plasma-assisted drag reduction on trucks/aircraft; plasma antennas and steerable antenna arrays; processing of ores like Zircon sand; plasma-assisted ignition of coal burners for faster and eco-friendly start-up; plasma-activated water for sterilisation of milk containers without the use of disinfectants; atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of seeds for enhancing germination; and plasma electrolysis for low-cost production of hydrogen. There is now a need for a focused and broad-based effort in India, so as to make India the global hub for IP generation in this area. Accordingly, IPR has recently worked out a 25-year Roadmap for development of Fusion and Plasma technologies in India. It is proposed to take up this work in PPP mode, with active involvement of Industry, R&amp;D and Academia at all stages. Plasma Science is presently taught in only a small number of institutions in India–for implementation of the Roadmap, it is necessary to rapidly increase the Human Resource base in India, through the use of Virtual/Augmented Reality based online teaching of Plasma Science/technology. This Note includes a brief description of each technology, its potential benefits, and its current status at the global level and in India. This is followed by Gap areas and actions required. The Note concludes with consolidated recommendations for the efficient implementation of the Roadmap. Plasma ; Environmental science ; History ; Physics ; Nuclear physics Catalytic Processes in Materials Science ; Copper-based nanomaterials and applications ; Plasma Applications and Diagnostics