Plasma Devices and Preparing of Nonconductive Materials

Abstract

Plasma processes offer a promising method for preparation of nanodispersed materials. Their potential for synthesis of different compounds with wide practical applications and increasing efficiency in synthesis of various materials is high. The technological parameters of two pilot plasma installations, designed and constructed at the Institute of Catalysis, are described. Electrically conductive materials (graphite, metals, etc.) are used as feedstock in the electric-arc plasma. The radio frequency inductively coupled plasma installation operates at adjustable frequency of the high-frequency induction field, and the feedstocks are powders (metals, oxides, composite materials, etc.) with particle size less than 50 μ. Carbon nanoformations, obtained from graphite electrode in electric-arc installation, are studied. X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction are used to characterize the samples. Along with the presence of amorphous carbon and graphite, the diffraction patterns demonstrate reflections matching to fullerene C60 and fullerene C70.