Last week, Anna Hasche, a PhD student in Combustion Engineering, had the opportunity to participate in an exciting Short Time Scientific Mission (STEM) at the CNR - Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie per l'Energia e la Mobilità Sostenibili (STEMS) in Naples, Italy. During the STSM, she was able to participate in the investigation of NH₃-air mixtures in combination with plasma under MILD Combustion conditions in a plugflow reactor. Various reactor temperatures and different plasma powers were tested in order to better understand the reaction mechanisms and the resulting emissions. These experiments offer valuable insights into the optimisation of combustion processes with new sustainable fuels and could contribute to the development of more environmentally friendly technologies.

But research was not limited to the lab! In the evening, there was also the opportunity to enjoy some of Naples' culinary delights and a cool drink in the bar with our Italian colleagues. Of course, an espresso was also a must.

"All in all, it was a great experience, both scientifically and culturally," said Anna Hasche. "Many thanks to my host Pino Sabia and his colleagues for making these two weeks possible and also for the financial support from the Cost Action Cypher." The knowledge gained will certainly strengthen future collaboration between the research institute and the GWA chair.