Research

I have participated in various collaborative research projects related to plasma science. I have explored several plasma technologies through scientific research involving experimental, theoretical and model-based studies.

• Project KIT-PLASMEBA  – KInetic Testbed for PLASMa Environmental and Biological Applications (2014-2019) 
  
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  Goal: The project aims at developing a KInetic Testbed for PLASMa Environmental and Biological Applications, embodying a web-platform with state-of-the-art kinetic schemes, and a MATLAB kinetic code with a modular structure, embedding an open source Boltzmann solver and a chemistry solver for the different gases/gas-mixtures .
  
  Role: I have contributed to the maintenance of the LisbOn KInetics (LoKI) numerical tool, including the open-source Boltzmann solver component (LoKI-B) and the chemistry solver component (LoKI-C). I have prepared and validated plasma kinetic schemes for atomic and molecular gases, namely argon, oxygen and carbon dioxide.
  
  Funding: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).
  

• Project PREMiERE – CO₂ Plasmas: a fRiEndly MEdium for Renewable Energy (2014-2019)
  
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  Goal: The project consists on a thorough theoretical and simulation investigation of all the steps involved in plasma decomposition of CO₂. PREMiERE explores a course of action where the excess electrical power produced by solar or wind generators is converted and stored into hydrocarbon fuels, thus replacing fossil fuels by renewable fuels
  
  Role: I have developed an upgradable and flexible kinetic model to accurately describe the excitation and relaxation of CO₂ in low temperature plasmas. The model was experimentally validated and it constitutes the state-of-the-art approach to describe the distribution of CO₂ vibrational energy in non-thermal plasmas. Check here for more details.
  
  During the course of this project I have also investigated the possibility of oxygen production on Mars through plasma technology for in situ resource utilisation. Check here for more details.
  
  Funding: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).
  

• Project PSI – Physical chemistry of Plasma-Surface Interaction (2012-2015).
  
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  Goal: The project aimed at federating Belgian groups involved in research activities on reactive plasmas in order to improve fundamental understanding of these systems and to develop predictive models.
  
  Role: I have conducted an experimental investigation targeted at understanding CO₂ decomposition in microwave plasma sources by means of optical diagnostic methods. Among other techniques, I have used optical emission spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence to characterize the plasma.
  
  Funding: The Federal Science Policy office (BELSPO).
  

• Project Gazton – CO2 valorization with plasma (2012-2014)
  
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  Goal: The project aimed at transforming CO₂ content in fumes from industrial ovens into a lean gas able to be recycled as fuel for use in the same ovens, through the use of plasma technology powered with green electricity.
  
  Role: I have conducted an experimental investigation targeted at measuring the production of carbon monoxide as a result of the CO₂ dissociation in low temperature plasmas.
  
  Funding: Plan Marshall GreenWin.
  

• Project SiTMIP – Simulation tool for atmospheric pressure microwave-driven Mini- Plasmas (2008-2012).
  
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  Goal: The project aimed at developing simulation tools describing the operation features of microwave-driven mini-plasmas at atmospheric pressure, in view of optimizing their use in high-performance environmental control.
  
  Role: I have contributed to the development of an hydrodynamic two-dimensional model to simulate the flow and the heat transfer with the gas/plasma system produced by a microwave-driven axial injection torch, running in atmospheric pressure helium.
  
  Funding: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).