High-speed camera observation of solution plasma during nanoparticles formation

Abstract

The direct-current discharge plasma during nanoparticles formation was observed using a high-speed camera. Metallic plates of Au, Ni, Ti, and Zn were used as a cathode, and a Pt wire was used as an anode. Both electrodes were immersed in a 0.1M NaOH solution. The solution plasma with light emission was generated via the vapor layer surrounding the cathode by applying 190 V. The current concentration occurred at a certain point of the electrode surface, in which the electrode surface was partially melted to produce nanoparticles. According to the high-speed observation, many light-emitting points appeared on the metallic plate and immediately disappeared when a certain point was strongly heated to produce nanoparticles. Additionally, light emission points moved in a chain reaction; after the first emission point was generated, the next emission point tended to be generated in the space surrounding the first emission point. During electrolysis, holes were generated on the cathode. The current concentration strongly heated certain spots on the electrode, and the electrode momentarily melted or vaporized, resulting in the formation of nanoparticles. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.