Charge transfer processes at the interface between plasmas and liquids

Charge transfer processes at the interface of plasmas and liquid electrolytes have been studied for over 100 years. Both plasmas and liquid electrolytes contain charged species, and interactions between the two phases represent a unique combination of physics, chemistry, and materials science that is fundamentally different than that between solid electrodes and liquid electrolytes. Unfortunately, scientific progress over the last century has been slow because of several key challenges including the inability to stabilize nonthermal plasmas at atmospheric pressure, and the lack of fundamental understanding of the mechanisms for charge transfer. Within the last decade, significant strides have been made to overcome these challenges. Here, the authors review this fascinating area of study, highlighting the history, development of experimental systems, mechanistic aspects, and emerging applications. (C) 2013 American Vacuum Society.