Maria Luíza Moreira de Azevedo (M.L.)

Maria Luiza joined the PlasmaLab in 2021, focusing her research on methane (CH₄) pyrolysis in a microwave plasma reactor. More specifically, she investigates how rapid quenching can optimize the production of ethylene (C₂H₄), a crucial building block in the chemical industry, particularly in the polymer sector. Currently, ethylene is produced via naphtha cracking, an energy-intensive industrial process with a significant carbon footprint, releasing CO₂ and NOₓ.

To overcome this inefficiency and reduce dependence on petroleum-based processes, plasma technology powered by sustainable electricity offers a promising alternative.

Maria uses gas chromatography to quantify the gas-phase products and laser diagnostics to study gas temperature, assessing reactor performance.