Green Plasma Technology I

Sustaining reliable oxygen supply presents a fundamental challenge for crewed space exploration and extraterrestrial habitation. Plasma-driven CO₂-to-O₂ conversion emerges as an energy-efficient solution for in-situ resource utilization. This study pioneer’s systematic investigation of O₂ production dynamics under synergistic pressure-power modulation. Through experimental characterization across 7–760 Torr and 15–70 W power inputs, we identify a critical oxygen yield peak (1%–2.7%) within the 100–200 Torr window—attributed to pressure-induced plasma phase transitions (glow → arc → gliding arc discharge) regulated by gas flow (1 SLM). These transitions govern electron energy distribution and mean free path, thereby steering CO₂ dissociation pathways and dictating decomposition efficiency. Our findings establish mechanistic principles for designing next-generation plasma reactors in space life support systems.

Funding acknowledgement

The work described in this paper was partially supported by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (PolyU15209324 for GRF project funded in 2024/25 Exercise). In addition, this work was funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund of Hong Kong Governmen (Environmental Research, Technology Demonstration and Conference Projects; Project No.26/2022).