Method for producing metallic nanoparticles
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsJonathan Phillips, William L. Perry, William J. Kroenke
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Abstract
Method for producing metallic nanoparticles. The method includes generating an aerosol of solid metallic microparticles, generating non-oxidizing plasma with a plasma hot zone at a temperature sufficiently high to vaporize the microparticles into metal vapor, and directing the aerosol into the hot zone of the plasma. The microparticles vaporize in the hot zone to metal vapor. The metal vapor is directed away from the hot zone and to the plasma afterglow where it cools and condenses to form solid metallic nanoparticles.
Claims19
A method for producing metal nanoparticles, comprising the steps of:
- (a) generating an aerosol comprising solid metallic precursor microparticles;
- (b) generating a non-oxidizing plasma with a plasma hot zone at a temperature sufficiently high to vaporize the microparticles into metal vapor;
- (c) directing the aerosol into the hot zone of the plasma and allowing the microparticles to vaporize into metal vapor therein;
- and
- (d) directing the metal vapor away from the plasma hot zone to allow the vapor to condense and form solid metallic product nanoparticles therefrom.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.