Abstract
Nanocrystals in the lower-nanometer-size range are attracting growing interest due to their unique properties. A simple and versatile atmospheric direct current mini-arc plasma source has been developed to produce nanoparticles as small as a few nanometers. The nanoparticles are formed by direct vaporization of solid precursors followed by a rapid quenching. Both semiconductor tin oxide and metallic silver nanoparticles have been produced at rates of 1–10 mg/h using the mini-arc source. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses indicate that most nanoparticles as produced are nonagglomerated and crystalline. Size distributions of nanoparticles measured with an online scanning electrical mobility spectrometer are broader than the self-preserving distribution, suggesting that the nanoparticle growth is coagulation-dominated, and that the particles experience a range of residence times. The electrical charges carried by as-produced aerosol nanoparticles facilitate the manipulation of nanoparticles. The new mini-arc plasma source hence shows promise to accelerate the exploration of nanostructured materials.
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Acknowledgments
We thank Professors Jesen Grant and Marija Gajdardziska-Josifovska for providing TEM access and Dr. Bill Tivol and Mr. Donald Robertson for technical support with TEM analyses. The financial support for this study was provided by XMX Corporation, National Science Foundation (CTS-0604079), and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The TIG welder used was donated by Miller Electric Manufacturing Corporation. The work made use of X-Ray Facilities supported by the MRSEC program of the National Science Foundation (CMR-0076097) at the Materials Research Center of Northwestern University.
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Chen, J., Lu, G., Zhu, L. et al. A simple and versatile mini-arc plasma source for nanocrystal synthesis. J Nanopart Res 9, 203–213 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-006-9168-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-006-9168-4