Functional Nanocomposites Synthesized by Plasma-Induced Liquid Chemistry – A Review

Abstract Functional nanocomposites have emerged as a transformative class of materials, offering unparalleled properties such as enhanced mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, catalytic activity, and optical performance, etc. The synthesis of these materials using plasma-induced liquid chemistry (PiLC), operated at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, is an emerging area. This article provides a state-of-the-art review of advances in PiLC-enabled nanocomposite synthesis over the past two decades. The versatility of PiLC is demonstrated through its ability to synthesize a wide range of nanocomposites, including polymer, ceramic (and metal oxide) and carbon matrix nanocomposites, with tailorable control over composition, morphology and functionality. Emphasis has been given to interfacial phenomena (such as surface modification, crosslinking, and interfacial assembly) that govern the complex multiphase reactions occurring at the plasma-liquid interface and within the liquid phase. The review also explores the diverse applications of PiLC-synthesized nanocomposites in fields such as energy storage, catalysis, sensors, biomedical devices, and environmental remediation. Finally, the challenges and future prospects are critically analysed. Issues such as process optimization, scalability, and the need for a deeper understanding of plasma-liquid interactions are also discussed.