Gerard van Rooij

Gerard van Rooij is a Professor of Plasma Chemistry at Maastricht University's Faculty of Science. Appointed on May 1, 2020, he is the first academic from Maastricht University within the Brightsite collaboration, which involves Sitech Services, TNO, Brightlands Chemelot Campus, and Maastricht University. His research focuses on sustainable plasma chemistry for energy storage and chemical industry decarbonization.

• Retains connection to DIFFER (Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research)
• Holds a part-time professorship in Sustainable Plasma Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

Education:

• MSc in Physics (Plasma Physics specialization), Eindhoven University of Technology
• PhD in Macromolecular Mass Spectrometry, University of Amsterdam

Van Rooij's expertise centers on plasma chemistry for sustainable energy applications, particularly through plasma activation of chemical reactions. His work bridges fundamental research in non-equilibrium plasma physics with practical integration in transport and chemical sectors. At Maastricht University, he contributes to Brightsite's electrification program lines, advancing circularity and sustainability via engineering solutions.

Research Context:

• Pioneered plasma surface interaction studies at DIFFER
• Participated in international fusion research programs
• Focus since 2012: converting sustainable energy into chemical potential energy

Labs & Collaborations:

• DIFFER (Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research)
• Brightsite (Chemelot Campus, Limburg)
• Eindhoven University of Technology (continued part-time role)