Synthesis and Size Control of Aluminum Nanoparticles using Solution Plasma Process

Abstract

This research was conducted to investigate the various control techniques to vary the size of aluminum nanoparticles through solution plasma process, specifically the submerged glow-discharge plasma process. Aluminum nanoparticles have received many attention due to their unique combustion, resistance and superhydrophobic properties. A lab-scale based submerged glow-discharge setup has been constructed to produce the nanoparticles. Different concentration of potassium carbonate electrolyte (0.1M – 0.5M) and cathode submerged length (50 mm – 100mm) were used in this study. The results were viewed and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. As the major results showed that the diameter size distribution ranges from 80nm to 2µm. Higher concentrations have shown to produce smaller nanoparticles due to the overlapping of electron beams on the cathode surface. Also, shorter cathode submerged lengths have resulted in larger-sized nanoparticles.

Submerged Discharges in Liquids for Nanoobject Synthesis: Expectations and Capabilities

“…1) are used for nanoobjects synthesis as a basis for comparison with their competitors. The main advantages of submerged discharges in liquids are taken from [20][21][22]: (1) a one-step process; (2) an ambient reaction environment; (3) a straightforward and easy setup; (4) a cost-effective production; (5) possible large-scale synthesis quantities; (6) an eco-friendly fabrication; and (7) high control on nanoparticle characteristics (size, shape, composition, etc.) Different criteria are evaluated, including mastering of size distributions, control over compositions, access to non-equilibrium phases, structure design capabilities, solution stability, and energy cost.…”