Abstract
Thermal plasma generated in radio-frequency (RF) induction torch has extremely high temperatures (about 10,000 K) and can easily produce reactive species. And, compared with direct arc current torch, the volume of RF induction plasma is relatively large and the residence/reaction time is long due to its comparatively low plasma-gas velocity. Its very large high-temperature field can completely vaporize a large amount of raw materials even with high melting/boiling points. In addition, rapid quenching (105–107 K/s) takes place in the tail of the plasma flame region. Thus, effective formation of nanoparticles is simultaneously achieved by nucleation and condensation in a highly supersaturated state. These characteristics of the plasma give unique reaction fields for the producing of various kinds and large quantities of nanoparticles. This paper introduces the synthesis of various nanoparticles by RF plasma method and its applications.
