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Transmitting power efficiently

The research of Xingyu Chen first tackled a critical obstacle to renewable energy transmission—the challenge of transmitting power efficiently across long distances.

For this, she developed a solution by treating epoxy resins used in electrical insulation with atmospheric plasma containing helium, carbon tetrafluoride, and carbon dioxide. This treatment deposits fluorocarbon particles onto the resin surfaces, significantly enhancing their electrical properties.

The modified materials show improved surface flash strength and resistivity while optimizing how electrical charges accumulate. These enhancements effectively suppress electrical breakdown processes, resulting in superior insulation that supports efficient energy transmission—a crucial advancement for integrating renewables into existing power grids.

Integrated system

The second major innovation comes in the form of an integrated system that combines plasma technology with solid oxide electrolyte cells to transform carbon dioxide using renewable electricity.

When tested, this combined approach demonstrated remarkable capabilities. Operating at temperatures between 494-692°C, the system showed a dramatic 183% increase in oxygen pumping performance at 585°C when exposed to helium-oxygen plasma compared to conventional operation.

Further analysis by Chen revealed fascinating interactions within the plasma-solid oxide system. In oxygen-poor environments, helium ions reduced surface oxygen activity, while in oxygen-rich environments, reactive oxygen radicals increased electrochemical reactions.

When processing carbon dioxide, the system's oxygen pumping capacity increased nearly nine-fold at optimal conditions, while CO2 conversion improved from 87% to 90%.

Chen discovered that the system achieved its best performance when plasma power was comparable to the power used for heating the electrolyte cell, resulting in a forty-fold improvement in oxygen transport. Interestingly, at very high temperatures (700–800°C), efficiency decreased due to competing oxidation reactions.

Earth and Mars

Chen’s innovative technology offers dual benefits for both Earth and Mars.

Here on our planet, it enhances carbon recycling capabilities that would support a circular economy, improves energy efficiency in CO2 conversion, and advances materials for renewable energy infrastructure.

For future Mars missions, the same technology enables more efficient oxygen production at lower temperatures, allowing for more compact, energy-efficient life-support systems suitable for the Martian environment.

By bridging terrestrial climate solutions with space exploration technology, this research creates valuable synergies between solving Earth's environmental challenges and enabling humanity's next giant leap to Mars.