Plasma catalysis for gas conversion – Impact of catalyst on the plasma behavior

How does a catalyst influence plasma behavior? What is the true role of a catalyst in a plasma environment? The observed synergies in plasma–catalysis processes have been usually attributed to conventional surface catalytic interactions. However, recent studies demonstrate that metallic catalysts may induce alterations in plasma behavior that substantially influence the overall process efficiency. This work reviews the latest advances in the field, proposing the term Plasma-Catalysis Promoter (PCP) to designate compounds that facilitate reactions not only at the catalyst surface but also within the plasma phase. It also highlights that advancing in the field requires a holistic approach capable of unraveling the multifunctional role of PCPs in plasma–catalysis processes.