Introduction

Plasma deodorization technology is an innovative method that leverages plasma—the fourth state of matter—to eliminate or mitigate malodors. Comprising high-energy electrons, ions, and neutral particles, plasma decomposes odor-causing molecules through its reactive properties. This technology demonstrates considerable potential across various domains, including industrial applications, personal care, agriculture, and food preservation. This report aims to provide a detailed exploration of its working mechanism, applications, advantages and disadvantages, and market prospects, offering comprehensive insights for relevant industries.

Working Mechanism

At the heart of plasma deodorization is the generation of high-energy electrons and reactive species, such as oxygen radicals (O·), hydroxyl radicals (OH·), and ozone (O₃). Through oxidation and decomposition processes, these species break down volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other complex odor-causing molecules into simpler, odorless, or low-odor compounds, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapor (H₂O).

The specific mechanism varies depending on the application. For instance, in the case of sulfide compounds like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), research indicates that plasma cleaves the C–S bond via radical attacks, producing by-products such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and undetected sulfur trioxide (SO₃), with energy costs of 115 eV and 30 eV, respectively（Jarrige and Vervisch 2007）.For VOCs, the process involves plasma-induced reactions, where high-energy electrons and reactive species, generated within non-thermal plasma (NTP) systems, decompose molecular chains（Plasma-catalysis for VOCs decomposition）.

Non-thermal plasma, also known as cold plasma technology, is commonly employed for this purpose. Operating at low temperatures, it is well-suited for heat-sensitive materials. Studies suggest that this approach is particularly effective at low pollutant concentrations, especially when VOC levels do not exceed 100 mg/m³（Technologies for deodorization of malodorous gases）.

Application Areas

Plasma deodorization technology demonstrates extensive application potential across multiple fields. Below are its primary areas of use and specific case examples:

• Industrial Air Purification In industrial settings, plasma deodorization technology is employed to treat dust and odors in exhaust gases. For instance, in the mixing/batching and curing areas of tire factories, this technology effectively purifies the air by removing harmful gases and odors generated during production processes （Riedel Filtertechnik）.

• Personal Care In the personal care sector, this technology is applied in deodorants to eliminate underarm odors. By using cold atmospheric plasma to kill odor-causing bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium xerosis), exposure for just 5 minutes can significantly reduce odor components, showcasing excellent antibacterial and deodorizing effects （Antibacterial and deodorizing effects）.

• Agriculture In agricultural environments, plasma technology enhances air quality in pig farms. Through an internal circulation mode, it effectively reduces the concentrations of ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) by 63.87% and 100%, respectively, thereby optimizing winter air quality（Optimizing Winter Air Quality）.

• Sterilization This technology is utilized for rapid sterilization and deodorization, particularly on surfaces such as PET bottles, polymer caps, and plastic tubes. The process requires only 20 milliseconds to complete, offering high efficiency and convenience（Atmospheric Plasma Sterilization）.

• Food Preservation Although direct mentions of deodorization are limited, the widespread use of plasma technology in food sterilization may indirectly improve air quality in food processing environments. For example, through sterilization and disinfection processes, it enhances overall hygiene levels（Disinfection and Sterilization Using Plasma Technology）.

Specific Application Cases:

• Deodorization needs in Indian five-star hotel chains (such as Westin and Marriott);

• Air quality improvement in shopping malls (such as GVK and Inorbit);

• Air purification and deodorization tasks in military supply stations. These cases fully demonstrate the broad applicability of plasma deodorization technology in public and commercial spaces (Bioxy-Plasma De-Odorization).

The above content indicates that plasma deodorization technology, with its high efficiency and multifunctional characteristics, has become an indispensable solution across multiple industries.

（Bioxy-Plasma De-Odorization）.

Advantages and Disadvantages Analysis

The advantages and disadvantages of plasma deodorization technology are shown in the following table:

Compared to traditional methods, such as biofilters, thermal incineration, or activated carbon filters, plasma technology is more cost-effective in long-term operation, although it requires a higher initial investment （Riedel Filtertechnik）. Additionally, ozone generation may be harmful to the respiratory tract, and exposure levels must be controlled, such as by adhering to occupational exposure standards, which specify an 8-hour time-weighted average of 0.05 ppm and a 15-minute short-term exposure limit of 0.20 ppm （Antibacterial and deodorizing effects）.

Market Potential and Future Prospects

The global deodorization system market is projected to experience significant growth over the coming decade. According to Precedence Research, the market is expected to increase from $4.53 billion in 2024 to $7.33 billion by 2034, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.92%（Precedence Research）, which reflects strong growth potential. However, market forecasts vary across sources. Market Data Forecast estimates the market size at $3.75 billion in 2024, rising to $5.54 billion by 2032, while Market Research Future predicts a more substantial value of $12.8 billion by 2032. These differences highlight variations in market assessments and underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of the industry’s trajectory（Market Data Forecast、Market Research Future）.

Within the broader landscape of sustainable technologies, plasma deodorization is emerging as a key subfield with growing demand, particularly in industrial and commercial applications. Research from Coherent MI indicates that plasma deodorization technology can reduce energy consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional thermal methods, enhancing its commercial viability. This efficiency is expected to drive a demand growth rate exceeding 10% annually over the next five years. Key drivers of this growth include heightened consumer awareness of personal hygiene and air quality, as well as increasingly stringent regulations on emissions management. Industrial facilities, such as wastewater treatment plants and food processing units, are particularly impacted by these regulatory pressures, further fueling adoption （Verified Market Research）.

The future of plasma deodorization technology holds significant promise, driven by technological innovations such as the integration of plasma with catalysts to substantially improve efficiency. Additionally, the development of more compact and energy-saving system designs is anticipated to enhance its practicality and broaden its adoption across diverse industries. Market leaders, such as Alfa Laval and Desmet Ballestra, are spearheading these advancements through substantial investments in research and development. A notable example is the introduction of the Alfa Laval Additav AC system in 2018, which reduced processing time by 30%（Coherent MI）, exemplifying the concrete benefits of these innovations and signaling a strong trajectory for future growth.

Conclusion

Plasma deodorization technology distinguishes itself with its environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and highly effective characteristics, positioning it as a solution with tremendous potential across multiple sectors. Despite challenges such as high initial costs and the complexities of by-product management, its long-term benefits and robust market growth prospects establish it as a pivotal direction for next-generation deodorization solutions. As technological advancements progress and market demand continues to rise, plasma deodorization technology is well-positioned to undergo further optimization, enabling it to meet and surpass the increasingly stringent environmental and health standards of the future.