Coupled space sterilization study of multiple SDBD devices under atmospheric pressure

Abstract

In this study, multiple surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) coupled sterilization devices were designed to meet the sterilization requirements of microbial aerosols in dental practices. A multi-electrode structure model was established to simulate the air ionization process, elucidating the spatial distribution of active species and the external electric field during ionization. The predominant positive and negative ions formed were O₄⁺ and O₂⁻, respectively, with number densities reaching up to 10¹⁸ m⁻³. Electrostatic simulation results indicated a uniform distribution of potential and electric fields within the device, offering critical insights for optimizing the arrangement of multiple generators. An experimental platform integrating multiple SDBD devices was also established to conduct sterilization experiments on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while comparing the sterilization performance of single-layer and double-layer configurations. The single-layer sterilization device could achieve 99.9 % sterilization rate in 30 min, and the double-layer generator sterilization device could achieve more than 99.99 % in 20 min.