Carbon nanostructures production by gas-phase plasma processes at atmospheric pressure

Carbon nanostructures have received much attention for a wide range of applications. This paper reviews the historical role of plasmas in the gas-phase synthesis of carbon nanostructures and the present plasma technologies for industrial production purposes. It enumerates the advantages and disadvantages with respect to concurrent technologies commonly employed nowadays. Finally, some carbon nanostructures produced in our laboratory will serve as examples of the plasma processes potential.