Gas‐Phase Plasma Synthesis of Free‐Standing Silicon Nanoparticles for Future Energy Applications

Silicon nanoparticles (Si‐NPs) are considered as possible candidates for a wide spectrum of future technological applications. Research in the last decades has shown that plasmas are one of the most suitable environments for the synthesis of Si‐NPs. This review discusses the unique size‐dependent features of Si‐NPs, and the fundamental mechanisms of nanoparticle formation in plasmas by highlighting major plasma synthesis techniques. In addition, the routes to achieve control on Si‐NP morphology and chemistry in plasma environments will be discussed. We will review recent advancements in solar cell and lithium‐ion battery applications of gas‐phase plasma synthesized Si‐NPs by highlighting key results from the literature. We will discuss further technological applications, where gas‐phase plasma synthesized Si‐NPs can contribute, like water splitting and thermoelectrics.