Atmospheric Plasma Jet-Enhanced Anodization and Nanoparticle Synthesis

Atmospheric-pressure discharge in the tubular capillary plasma jet was studied to reveal the possibility to accelerate anodization of aluminum foils and fabricate alumina nanoparticles in liquid acids. Two different positions of the atmospheric pressure plasma jet relatively to the acid electrolyte and aluminum electrode were studied. Whereas at larger distances, only slight oxidation was obtained, the nanoporous surface and alumina nanoparticles were produced at closer (3-5 mm) distances. The mode with arcing (sparking) resulted in the film of alumina nanoparticles. The obtained results could be useful for the cheap and convenient synthesis of nanoparticles and nanostructured surfaces for various applications, including medical, biological, energy conversion, and nanoelectronic devices.