Micro-sized droplet formation by interaction between dielectric barrier discharge and liquid

Abstract

Liquid atomization technology is one of the applications in various fields of modern industry because it improves reactivity, diffusion, and permeability of liquids. However, existing atomization technologies are severely limited by the physical and chemical properties of the solution or the object to be treated, and there is a growing need to develop atomization technologies that solve these problems. We have developed a device that atomizes liquids to the nanoscale based on the interaction with a dielectric barrier discharge, which enables the atomization of various types of solutions, including water-based and oil-based solutions. Herein, we report the results of visualizing the dynamics of liquid atomization using a high-speed camera. The device atomizes solutions in three modes: instability of the solution jet; physical fragmentation of the solution droplets by the impact of the plasma streamer; and collapse of the droplet surface and generation of a smoke-like mist during the streamer ejection from the solution droplet. The combined and repeated action of these three modes on the produced microdroplets is expected to result in nano-sized mists of the solution.