ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the potential use of top-down processing methods for the creation of nano-arrays and highlights limitations that have to be overcome to ensure the success of these processes. It focuses on extending top-down methods to the nanoscale, the bottom-up methods and highlights the overall challenge in nanoscale patterning. The chapter features a discussion of some of the fundamental scientific concepts behind plasma–surface interactions, the potential applications of plasmas for surface preparation and nanomaterial patterning, and further usage of plasma in other applications such as medicine. It examines the potential role that plasmas can play in the creation and processing of nanostructures and nanomaterials. On a slight tangent, there exist many other potential avenues for plasmas regarding nanostructures and materials research. Plasma treatment has also been used to functionalize nanostructures with a variety of organic and inorganic surface groups.
