Synthesis of tungsten oxide, silver, and gold nanoparticles by radio frequency plasma in water

• RF plasma in water was used for nanoparticle synthesis.
• Nanoparticles were produced from erosion of metallic electrode.
• Rectangular and spherical tungsten oxide nanoparticles were produced.
• No oxidations of the silver and gold spherical nanoparticles were produced.

A process for synthesis of nanoparticles using plasma in water generated by a radio frequency of 27.12 MHz is proposed. Tungsten oxide, silver, and gold nanoparticles were produced at 20 kPa through erosion of a metallic electrode exposed to plasma. Characterization of the produced nanoparticles was carried out by XRD, absorption spectrum, and TEM. The nanoparticle sizes were compared with those produced by a similar technique using plasma in liquid.