What are you working on within PLASMANT?

I'm a postdoctoral researcher working on one of the newest pieces of the clean energy puzzle - using plasma technology to crack ammonia and release hydrogen. Think of ammonia as a hydrogen storage vessel that's much easier to transport than pure hydrogen gas. My role involves investigating plasma reactors that can efficiently break down ammonia and release hydrogen for use in various applications.

How did you become a (post)doctoral researcher in Antwerp?

After defending my PhD in Ukraine, I spent several years as a junior researcher there, diving deep into plasma-assisted processes for gas and liquid conversion. The events of 2022 in Ukraine prompted me to reevaluate my ambitions and ask myself: How could my expertise truly make a global impact? That's when I began exploring opportunities worldwide. UAntwerpen immediately caught my attention because of PLASMANT's reputation for pushing boundaries in plasma chemistry. I love how PLASMANT unites researchers from all over the world by the shared mission to revolutionise chemical processes through plasma chemistry.

Where do you see the future of electrification heading in the coming years, especially in a plasma chemistry-related field?

In my view, electrification will play a pivotal role in transforming the chemical industry over the next decade, with plasma chemistry offering unique opportunities for sustainable and efficient processes. As renewable energy becomes cheaper and more abundant, we can expect to see electricity replace traditional heating and fossil fuels in the chemical manufacturing industry. Plasma chemistry is perfectly positioned for this shift because we can literally use renewable electricity to drive chemical reactions, thereby reducing their carbon footprint. I envision plasma reactors becoming as common in chemical plants as traditional furnaces are today. The really exciting part is that plasma can access reaction pathways that heat alone cannot - we're not just replacing old technology, we're unlocking entirely new chemistry.

What motivates you to do the research?

Beyond the pure science fascination with the plasma itself, I'm driven by the knowledge that our work could help solve some of humanity's biggest challenges. Every day in the lab, I'm reminded that the processes we're studying today could be opening new avenues for humanity tomorrow. The collaborative spirit here at PLASMANT amplifies that motivation - when you're surrounded by brilliant minds all working toward the same sustainable future, it's impossible not to feel energised.

How do you unwind in your free time?

Recently, I discovered the art of mead-making, and I'm fascinated by it. There's something beautiful in the contrast between how simple it is to start and the complexity that unfolds the deeper you dive. It feels very rewarding to experiment with local honey, fruits, or spices and watch as they transform over time into something entirely new and unique that I can share with my friends over dinner.

What book would you recommend to our readers?

One book I would highly recommend is “Orphanage” by Serhiy Zhadan. This powerful novel explores the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine through the eyes of an ordinary schoolteacher, who embarks on a harrowing journey across a war-torn landscape to rescue his nephew. Zhadan’s evocative prose provides a deeply moving portrayal of resilience and humanity amidst the chaos of war. If you are interested in understanding the complexities of modern Ukraine and the human stories within, this book is truly worth reading.

What would you recommend our readers visit in your country of origin?

Ukraine offers incredible diversity that most people never get to see. I highly recommend visiting Lviv – an absolutely magical city with a vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture, and a bustling coffee culture. My heart, however, forever belongs to the Carpathian Mountains, where I spent my childhood. They are a must-visit for their rolling peaks covered in ancient pine forests, hiking trails that lead to hidden waterfalls with breathtaking views, and tiny mountain Hutsul villages where people still practice traditional crafts and are always happy to treat you to authentic local cuisine.

To learn more about the research group of PLASMANT at UAntwerpen, click here.