Methods of generating nanoparticles are described that comprises feeding nebulized droplets into a radio frequency plasma torch to generate nanoparticles, wherein the majority of the nanoparticles generated have a diameter of less than about 50 nm. These methods are useful for synthesizing nanoparticles of metals, semiconductors, ceramics or any other material class where the precursors are either in liquid form or can be dissolved or suspended in a suitable liquid. Methods of feeding nebulized droplets and central gas into a radio frequency plasma torch and apparatus for generating nanoparticles are also described.