Method for sterilizing ambient air using plasma-based smart window

A method for sterilizing ambient air, comprising the steps of:

• a) installing a plasma-based smart window comprising:
• a frame, and
• an atmospheric pressure plasma device installed on the frame, the atmospheric pressure plasma device comprising:
• a light-transmissive substrate,
• a first transparent flat patterned electrode disposed on the light-transmissive substrate,
• a second transparent flat patterned electrode disposed on the light-transmissive substrate and spaced apart from the first transparent flat patterned electrode by a predetermined gap distance, and
• a light-transmissive cover plate covering the first and second transparent flat patterned electrodes so as to permit the first and second transparent flat patterned electrodes to be sandwiched between the light-transmissive substrate and the light-transmissive cover plate;
• and
• b) applying a power supply parameter of a predetermined magnitude between the first and second transparent flat patterned electrodes at ambient temperature and pressure to generate a surface plasma proximate to the light-transmissive substrate or the light-transmissive cover plate so as to inactivate microorganisms in the ambient air.