Skip to main content

Metallic Nanoparticles, Inert Gas Condensation


The preparation of metallic nanoparticles by pyrolysis was discussed in the last article, metallic nanoparticles part III (pyrolysis). We saw how different metallic, metallic oxide nanoparticles and nanocomposite can be prepared by the transformation of the precursor solution into aerosols and the evaporation of solvent by excessive heat to form solid particles. Here we take a look at gas condensation method for the preparation of the metallic nanoparticles.
Inert gas condensation is one of the first and easiest methods for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. There are two steps in gas condensation. First, a metallic or inorganic material is vaporized using evaporation sources. Second, a rapid controlled condensation is done to produce the required particle size. Evaporation of the source can be done by thermal evaporation, laser vaporization, sputtering, electrical arc discharge or plasma heating. The rapid condensation is achieved by collecting the particles on a cold surface. The whole process is done under an inert atmosphere of (He, Xe, or Ar) gas. Nucleation of the source and the growth of the nanoparticles are controlled by the type of the inert gas and the pressure of the chamber.

The production of metallic nuclei by the evaporation method can be done to solid sources or gaseous sources. Gas condensation method can be named as Chemical Vapor Deposition and Chemical Vapor Condensation according to the nucleation of the source. The inert gas condensation method is used for the preparation of different metallic nanoparticles such as, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, and Mo nanoparticles. It can be also used to prepare metal alloy nanoparticles such as Fe-Ni and Fe-Cu. Carbon nanomaterials such as, Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene are synthesized by Chemical Vapor Deposition.
There are many advantages for the inert gas condensation methods for the preparation of metallic nanoparticles. A wide range of nanomaterials can be prepared by this method. Beside metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles, alloys, intermetallic compounds, ceramics, semiconductors, and composites can be synthesized by this technique. Another advantage is the flexibility of the technique in terms of the range of particle sizes which can be controlled by different factors which include the temperature, pressure, and the inert gas used. Moreover, nanoparticle synthesis is usually a continuous process using this method. Stopping the agglomeration of the nanoparticles is the most challenging issue for the gas condensation method which can be prevented by achieving the optimum conditions for the synthesis of the nanoparticles.

Posted by

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Multi Walled Carbon Nanotube Dispersions

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)  have attracted enormous attention in recent years due to its unique physical, electronic, optical and potential applications in materials science and nanotechnology. The van der Waals interaction between tubes, however, makes CNTs aggregate in most organic solvents and aqueous solutions, which is the major limitation of their practical applications.Various approaches have been studied to alter the CNT surface to promote the dispersion of individual nanotubes and prevent their reaggregation. On the basis of this widely accepted viewpoint, numerous techniques such as covalent bonding, surfactant coating and polymer wrapping have been developed for surface modification or sidewall functionalization.These methods, however, are complicated, time-consuming and cause permanent damage to the CNT structure and properties of the surface, which produces residues of the dispersion agent for the final product. Figure: Single Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) It has re

Carbon Nanotube Threads

Since its discovery, carbon nanotube (CNT) has attracted many interests in different technology fields due to its extraordinary properties. Properties such as, high strength, great electrical and thermal conductivity, light weight and flexibility made CNT one of the best materials for wide range of applications. However, from its name it can be understood that CNT is a nanoscale material which is very small to be applied for the production of daily products. Researchers all around the world are working on finding methods and techniques which could produce new materials with the extraordinary properties of CNT. Image retrieved from:  https://worldindustrialreporter.com/strong-light-flexible-carbon-nanotubes-threads-with-ultrahigh-conductivity/ One of these research is focusing on the production of high strength threads that can be used in the manufacturing of fabrics, cables and ropes. An international group of scientists were able to produce a flexible conductive thread that i

Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles/Nanopowder and Applications

General Information about Magnesium Oxide Magnesium oxide which has the chemical formula of MgO, is a white hygroscopic solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase and is a source of Magnesium. It is a white powder at room temperature. Magnesium Oxide has very high melting point (2825  o C) and boiling point (3600  o C).                                                                                                                                                                                Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles/Nanopowder and Usage Areas                                        Magnesium Oxide nanoparticles/nanopowder  can be used in many different areas. For example Magnesium Oxide nanoparticles/nanopowder are used as a fire retardant for chemical fiber and plastics trades. For making crucible, smelter, insulated conduit, electrode bar, and electrode sheet  Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles/Nanopowder  can be used as electric insulating material. Magnesium Oxide nan