Plasma jets effectively promoting cloud condensation nuclei formation and aerosol activation in artificial weather modification.

This article focuses on investigating the use of atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ) to enhance the formation of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) and aerosol activation, which are critical for precipitation enhancement in water-scarce regions. Experimental results from a cloud chamber demonstrate that operating a plasma jet for 30 minutes increases CCN concentration by 1.1 to 2.6 times and raises the aerosol activation rate by approximately 2.5 times, with elevated CCN levels persisting after plasma cessation. The study identifies key mechanisms including ion-mediated nucleation, charge-induced reduction of the free energy barrier for water vapor condensation, ion-induced nucleation, and binary nucleation driven by plasma-generated reactive species. These findings suggest that APPJ technology offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to artificial weather modification by activating atmospheric aerosols to promote precipitation.