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US 2010/0058978 A1Published application
Method and apparatus for producing nanocrystals
AssigneeBabak Nikoobakht
InventorBabak Nikoobakht
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Abstract
The present disclosure describes a method and an apparatus for making nanomaterials. In particular, the present innovation provides an apparatus that can be used to produce nanocrystals and/or nanorods of noble metals. The disclosure also provides methods that can be advantageously used to produce gold nanocrystals/nanorods with aspect ratios higher than 4.0.
Claims30
A method for producing nanocrystals comprising:
- providing a first flow solution comprising noble metal ions and a surfactant solution into a seed generating unit;
- providing a second flow solution comprising a reducing agent into the seed generating unit;
- passing the second flow solution through a first membrane of the seed generating unit;
- causing the contact of the first flow solution with the second flow solution, such that the contact of the first flow solution with the second flow solution generates nanoparticle seeds;
- and
- causing the movement of the nanoparticle seeds to a growth unit containing a growth solution through a second membrane of the seed generating unit,
- wherein the contact between the nanoparticle seeds and the growth solution resulting from the motion of the seed generating unit inside the growth unit produces nanocrystals,
- wherein said nanocrystals are produced using the nanocrystal apparatus of claim 19.
5 more elements
A nanocrystal forming apparatus comprising:
- a seed generating unit with an anterior end and a posterior end;
- a first inlet located at the anterior end of the seed generating unit for receiving a first solution;
- a second inlet formed of a side wall of the seed generating unit near the anterior end for receiving a second solution;
- an outlet formed of a side wall in the lower half of the seed generating unit;
- a first membrane substantially covering the first inlet;
- and
- a second membrane covering the outlet;
- a growth solution unit with a distal end and a proximal end;
- and
- a means for causing motion of the seed generating unit operably connected such that when the means is operated the seed generating unit is caused to move through the growth solution unit.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.