Gerard van Rooij

Gerard van Rooij is a Full Professor (Part-time) and Chair of Sustainable Plasma Chemistry in the Department of Applied Physics at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He simultaneously serves as Senior Scientist and head of the Nonequilibrium Fuel Conversion group at DIFFER (Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research), and as a visiting professor at the Key Laboratory for Super Conductivity and New Energy Research in Chengdu, China.

His educational background includes an MSc in Physics from TU/e with specialization in Plasma Physics and a PhD in Physics from the University of Amsterdam focusing on macromolecular mass spectrometry. This strong foundation has enabled his significant contributions to plasma science.

Van Rooij's research primarily centers on low temperature plasma physics and chemistry, with special emphasis on CO2 activation by plasmolysis for solar fuel production. Since 2012, he has pioneered fundamental solar fuels research exploring how plasma can release oxygen atoms from CO2 to create carbon monoxide as the basis for liquid fuels. His work investigates innovative plasma chemistry routes that could provide feasible and scalable alternatives to electrolysis for energy storage in chemical bonds through CO2-neutral fuels.

His recent publications demonstrate expertise across multiple dimensions of plasma science, with particular focus on CO2 microwave plasma applications, plasma contraction phenomena, and innovative approaches to carbon management in plasma-based chemical processes. These works collectively highlight his focus on practical applications of plasma chemistry for sustainable energy solutions.

• Regular contributor to leading journals in plasma physics and energy research
• Active participant in JET experimental campaigns studying tungsten erosion
• Developer of scientific basis for linear plasma devices (Magnum-PSI and Pilot-PSI)
• Pioneer in plasma surface interaction studies within DIFFER

Van Rooij's research bridges fundamental plasma science with practical energy applications, positioning him as a key contributor to developing sustainable energy solutions through innovative plasma chemistry approaches with significant potential for addressing climate change challenges.