In-liquid plasma: a novel tool in the fabrication of nanomaterials and in the treatment of wastewaters

Abstract

Attempts to generate plasma in liquids have been successful and various devices have been proposed. Many reports have described the optimal conditions needed to generate plasma, and mechanisms have been inferred, together with the composition of the plasma. Elucidation of a stable method (and mechanism) to generate plasma in liquids has led to various active investigations into applications of this new energy source. This review article describes the generator and the generation mechanism of in-liquid plasma, and pays attention to the evolving technology. The characteristics of submerged plasma are summarized and examples of nanomaterials syntheses and wastewater treatment are given, both of which have attracted significant attention. Extreme reaction fields can be produced conveniently using electrical power even without the use of chemical substances and high-temperature high-pressure vessels. Chemical reactions can be carried out and environmental remediation processes achieved with high efficiency and operability with the use of in-liquid plasma. Suggestions for introducing in-liquid plasma to chemical processes are discussed.