Muhammad Abdul Munaf

Plasma based technologies are superior to traditional methods, achieving lower processing temperatures, fewer defects and better control of material properties and are efficient platforms for the synthesis of nanomaterials. The chapter aims to give an overview of plasma nanostructures covering their fabrication, characterization and applications. Plasma derived nanomaterials are carbon based (CNTs, graphene, CQDs, nanodiamonds) and metal and metal oxide nanostructures, plasma polymerized films and 2D materials such as MoS2 and hexagonal boron nitride. The major synthesis techniques studied and discussed are arc discharge, microwave plasma enhanced CVD and atmospheric pressure plasma with a focus on resulting structures. Electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, XPS and in-situ plasma diagnostics are also discussed. This chapter emphasizes on the wide range of applications of plasma nanostructures in the energy, biomedical and environmental fields, such as solar cells, supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, wound healing, cancer treatment, plasma activated liquids and drug delivery.

The increasing demand for efficient and sustainable energy storage systems has prompted intensive studies on the development of advanced nanomaterials with improved electrochemical performance. Plasma engineering has emerged as an excellent, environmentally friendly and effective approach in the design of nanomaterials by altering their structural, chemical, and electronic properties. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of plasma-engineered nanomaterials used in energy storage devices. Key plasma-induced modifications, including defect engineering, heteroatom doping, surface functionalization, morphology control, and oxygen vacancy generation in plasma engineering are thoroughly discussed along with their influence on charge transfer, ion diffusion, and electrochemical performance. In addition, plasma-engineered carbon materials, MXenes, metal–organic frameworks, graphitic carbon nitride, and high-entropy oxides for supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries are addressed.