DFG Extends Funding for Collaborative Research Center SFB 1316

We are pleased to announce that the German Research Foundation (DFG) has extended funding for the Collaborative Research Center SFB 1316 “Transient Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas – from Plasma to Liquids to Solids” at Ruhr University Bochum for another four years. This decision highlights the scientific importance and innovative potential of our plasma research.

Research at the Intersection of Plasma, Catalysis, and Sustainability

In SFB 1316, we study how atmospheric plasmas interact with different materials and how these processes can be precisely controlled. The upcoming funding period will focus on stronger integration of plasma research with catalytic, electrochemical, and biocatalytic processes. This approach opens new pathways for using plasmas in sustainable chemical transformations.

Development of Prototypes for Sustainable Energy Systems

A central goal is to develop initial prototypes for larger-scale systems that efficiently convert renewable energy into chemical energy carriers. This work contributes significantly to the energy transition and the exploration of alternative technologies for CO₂ reduction.

Focus on Modeling and Scalability

We will also expand our efforts in simulation and modeling to better understand the underlying physico-chemical processes. These insights are essential to transition plasma technologies from laboratory research to practical applications.

Public Relations

Project week during the autumn holidays

During the autumn holidays, highschool students in classes 8 and 9 enjoyed an eventful week full of physics, experiments and research at the Alfried Krupp Schülerlabor at the Ruhr University Bochum. In the workshop ‘From Plasma to Gold Coating,’ the students discovered the exciting characteristics of luminous gases and their numerous applications, such as in surface coating. They visited laboratories, observed researchers at work and learned that plasmas can also be ignited in liquids. In Prof. Scherer's lecture ‘From Diamonds, Pencil Tips and Symmetries,’ they learned how to (theoretically) turn a pencil tip into a diamond. Other highlights included a visit to the planetarium, meals together in the mensa and a physics duel followed by pizza. We would like to thank all participants for their curiosity and fascination for physics and are already looking forward to the next project week!

International School on Low Temperature Plasma Physics

In the beginning of October, chosen Master and PhD students within the field of plasma physics, engineering and chemistry had the chance to get in contact with leading experts and lecturers. During the International School on Low Temperature Plasma Physics and the subsequent Master Class on Smart organic coatings by plasmas, fundamentals of plasmas and cutting-edge reserach has been discussed in lectures and during a poster session. Hands-on experience was obtained during three workshops lead by reknown professors from France and Portugal.

Since 28 years, the plasma school is organized by leading experts in the field of plasma physics. This year, the international chair was located at University of Mons in Belgium, while the local organizing team was located at Ruhr University in Bochum. The plasma school has also been funded by the CRC 1316 and the Research Department "Plasmas with Complex Interactions".