Are plasma discharges really “catalyst-free”?

Key Points

• The aim is to examine whether plasma discharges can be considered truly catalyst-free in chemical reactions.
• Theoretical analysis of plasma chemistry mechanisms.
• Review of literature on the role of heterogeneous catalysts.
• Examination of reaction pathways in plasma systems.
• Identified instances where chemical reactions occur on heterogeneous catalysts.
• Demonstrated that some plasma systems may not be catalyst-free as assumed.
• Highlighted the need for rethinking the catalytic role of plasma discharges.