Submerged Discharges in Liquids for Nanoobject Synthesis: Expectations and Capabilities

Abstract

Electrical discharges in liquids are used to synthesize and process nanoobjects with breakthrough achievements that lead to high expectations in the field. As plasmas are non-equilibrium media, the possibility to access novel compositions, shapes, structures, etc. is often put forward as major argument to promote these processes. Two main classes of processes are considered in this review: the so-called "solution plasma" and glow-discharge electrolysis. The influence of the main parameters controlling the selected processes is discussed. Applications are also presented together with expectations on breakthrough achievements awaited for these processes. Solution characteristics Electrical conductivityElectrical conductivity is generally the key factor that determines the applied voltage required for breakdown and discharge ignition. The lower the conductivity, the higher the voltage needed to achieve reproducible discharges, and the shorter the pulse width.

Impact of Micropulse and Radio Frequency Coupling in an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet on the Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles

“…In general, an increase in temperature typically leads to an increase in nanoparticle size, with multimodal distributions due to the acceleration of the reaction processes [33], to agglomeration, or to the Ostwald ripening effect [34]. Ostwald ripening is a process in which small nanoparticles tend to dissolve and redeposit on larger particles, resulting in the growth of larger particles over time.…”