How do nanoparticles form in the SunCell plasma ball? http://www.eng.uc.edu/~beaucag/Classes/Nanopowders/2003ReviewofAerosolSynthesisSwei....pdf
Vapor-phase synthesis of nanoparticles Mark T. Swihart Supersaturation, oxygen and inert gas are all part of the Vapor-phase synthesis process. Supersaturation A common example of a supersaturated solution is the carbonated beverage. These have much larger amounts of carbon dioxide dissolved than would be possible in normal conditions. The gas is kept dissolved by increased pressure, but immediately begins forming bubbles of released gas where the solution is in contact with its container once that pressure is released through opening the container. Supersaturated solutions of common substances such as sugar are also possible. Water can dissolve more sugar at higher temperatures, so cooling a carefully prepared solution of fully concentrated sugar water from high temperatures results in a supersaturated solution of sugar. A string or other object placed in the solution gives the sugar crystals a place to come out of solution, and any object thus inserted slowly develops a coating of solid sugar. Faster and more dramatic reactions are possible with different solutes. If there is a pressure gradient in the plasma reaction process that is occurring in the teacup sided volume in the Mills reaction, as the supersaturated vapor leaves that reaction volume, then the metallic nanoparticles will nucleate in the lower pressure region of the plasma ball even if the temperature remains the same. A roiling vortex like circulation will draw the nanoparticles back into the reaction volume where the reaction will continue indefinitely.
