Polyol-based method for producing ultra-fine metal powders
AssigneeNanodynamics, Inc.
InventorsDaniel V. Goia, Daniel Andreescu, Brendan P. Farrell
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Abstract
The invention provides monodisperse ultra-fine metallic particles having a low degree of agglomeration and a high degree of crystallinity and oxidation resistance, and methods for forming such particles. The invention provides a method of controlling the size and size distribution of ultra-fine metal particles by regulating the pH of a polyol-type process. The methods of the invention make it possible to increase the metal loading in a polyol-type process without increasing particle size, enabling the production of ultra-fine metallic particles in high yield.
Claims87
A composition comprising a plurality of metal particles having an average diameter of 10 μm or less, wherein said metal particles comprise one or more elements selected from the group consisting of transitional metals and noble metals, and said particles are resistant to oxidation.
A composition comprising a plurality of copper particles having an average diameter N of 0.5 μm or less, wherein about 80% of the particles have a diameter within the range of N ±15% N.
A composition comprising a plurality of ultra-fine metallic particles obtained by a process comprising:
- (a) providing a reaction mixture comprising a metal precursor, a branched polyol dispersing agent, and an alcoholic reducing agent;
- (b) adjusting the temperature of the reaction mixture to a reaction temperature sufficient to reduce the metal precursor to metallic particles;
- and
- (c) maintaining the reaction mixture at the reaction temperature, thereby producing the plurality of ultra-fine metallic particles.
A method for forming a plurality of ultra-fine metallic particles comprising:
- (a) providing a reaction mixture comprising a metal precursor, a branched polyol dispersing agent, and an alcoholic reducing agent;
- (b) adjusting the temperature of the reaction mixture to a reaction temperature sufficient to reduce the metal precursor to metallic particles;
- and
- (c) maintaining the reaction mixture at the reaction temperature, thereby producing the plurality of ultra-fine metallic particles.
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In a process for preparing metal powders by reduction of metal precursors with an alcoholic reducing agent, the improvement which consists of carrying out the reduction in a solvent comprising two or more glycols.
In a process for preparing metal powders by reduction of metal precursors with an alcoholic reducing agent, the improvement which consists of carrying out the reduction in the presence of a tertiary amine buffer.
In a process for preparing metal powders by reduction of metal precursors with an alcoholic reducing agent, the improvement which consists of carrying out the reduction in the presence of a branched polyol dispersing agent.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.