Collection Overview

Scientific Reports has launched a Guest-Edited Collection on Frontier plasma technologies.

Frontier plasma technologies encompass the development of advanced plasma sources, diagnostics, and applications that exploit the unique reactivity, energy density, and non-equilibrium properties of ionized gases. Operating across pressure, temperature, and frequency regimes, from atmospheric-pressure cold plasmas to high-energy fusion-relevant systems, modern plasma technologies are reshaping fields ranging from materials processing and catalysis to environmental remediation, medicine, and sustainable energy. Their significance lies in enabling reaction pathways and surface transformations inaccessible to conventional thermal processes, offering high selectivity, rapid kinetics, and reduced chemical or energy inputs. Recent progress has been fueled by innovations in plasma generation, including microplasma arrays, nanosecond pulsed discharges, dielectric barrier configurations, and plasma–liquid interfaces, each enabling precise control over reactive species and energy transfer.

This will be a Collection of original research papers and will be open for submissions from all authors – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Scientific Reports more generally. Narrative review articles are also welcomed to our sister journal, Scientific Reviews. We are welcoming submissions until 9th April 2027.

Q&A with Dr. Ram Prakash (Guest Editor)

Why is the Collection important?

Frontier plasma technologies Collection encompasses driving transformative advances across energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, environmental remediation, and sustainable industrial processes. This Collection aims to highlight emerging concepts, innovative methodologies, and interdisciplinary applications that define the next generation of plasma science and engineering.

Why are you excited about the Collection?

I am excited to bring together pioneering research that bridges fundamental understanding with technological innovation. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, this Collection can help identify future research directions of plasma science and technology and can accelerate translation into practical applications.

In your view, why should a researcher submit to this collection?

Researchers are encouraged to contribute their latest high-impact work to showcase breakthroughs and help shape the future landscape of plasma technologies.

Why submit to a Collection? 

Collections like this one help promote high-quality science. They are led by Guest Editors, who are experts in their fields, and In-House Editors and are supported by a dedicated team of Commissioning Editors and Managing Editors at Springer Nature. Collection manuscripts typically see higher citations, downloads, and Altmetric scores, and provide a one-stop-shop on a cutting-edge topic of interest. 

This Collection also supports and amplifies research related to SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy.

Who is involved? 

Guest Editors:

• He-Ping Li, Tsinghua University, China
• Li Lin, George Washington University, United States
• Ram Prakash, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, India

Internal Team:

• In-House Editor: Chenyu Wang, Scientific Reports, USA
• Commissioning Editor: Quintina Dawson, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
• Managing Editor: Eleanor Smith, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK

How can I submit my paper? 

Visit the Collection page to find out more about this Collection and how to submit your article.