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.