Abstract
ABSTRACT This study investigates the synthesis of carbon nanoparticles in DC glow discharge plasma using acetylene as a precursor. Characterization of the deposited nanoparticles showed clear differences between the anode and cathode surfaces, with the anode having a more amorphous, oxidized structure and the cathode containing more crystalline, graphitic carbon, as confirmed by Raman and XPS analyses. These differences in surface composition were related to the plasma conditions and the role of electric fields in nanoparticle deposition. In addition, electron temperature measurements showed a transient increase after acetylene injection, followed by stabilization as nanoparticle agglomeration reduced the particle density in the plasma. Taken together, the results highlight the interconnectedness of the processes governing nanoparticle synthesis and provide insight into the influence of plasma dynamics on nanoparticle formation and properties.