Dense medium plasma technology for synthesis carbon nanomaterials

Plasma-aided nanofabrication is a rapidly expanding area of research spanning disciplines ranging from physics and chemistry of plasmas and gas discharges to solid state physics, materials science, surface science, nanoscience and nanotechnology and related engineering subject. A low-temperature nonequilibrium plasma is a favorable environment for the formation of nanoscale objects and has recently demonstrated the outstanding capability of promoting self-organization. Self-organization, defined here as simultaneous assembly and functionalization of nanostructures, or directed self-organization (when external energy drivers are applied, e.g., electric fields) can provide a very effective bottom-up nanofabrication mechanism. In addition, in order to meet the nano-manufacturing requirements, plasma research is increasingly giving attention to atmospheric plasma processes, whereby the high density promotes fast reaction rates and, therefore, the increased throughput. The possibility of producing nanostructures at atmospheric pressure has also the advantage of reduced costs of investment and maintenance due to the possibility of working without expensive vacuum equipment and without the need of process confinement. However, the generation of plasmas at atmospheric pressure has challenges and limitations that often compromise part of the advantages of atmospheric-pressure operation for nanofabrication.