Encapsulated metal microtip microplasma devices, arrays and fabrication methods

An embodiment of the invention is a microtip microplasma device having a first metal microtip opposing a second metal microtip with a gap therebetween. The first and second metal microtips are encapsulated in metal oxide that electrically isolates and physically connects the first and second metal microtips. In preferred devices, the first and second metal microtips and metal oxide comprise a monolithic, unitary structure. Arrays can be flexible, can be arranged in stacks, and can be formed into cylinders, for example, for gas and liquid processing devices, air filters and other applications. A preferred method of to forming an array of microtip microplasma devices provides a metal mesh with an array of micro openings therein. Electrode areas of the metal mesh are masked leaving planned connecting metal oxide areas of the metal mesh unmasked. Planned connecting metal oxide areas are electrochemically etched to convert the planned connecting metal oxide areas to metal oxide that encapsulates opposing metal microtips therein. The mask is removed. The electrode areas are electrochemically etched to encapsulate the electrode areas in metal oxide.