Method for producing metallic nanoparticles

US6689192B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Jonathan Phillips · Santa Fe, US
• William L. Perry · Irving, US
• William J. Kroenke · Brecksville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 13, 2001
• Grant date: Feb 10, 2004
• Expiry date: Jan 10, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B22F2999/00
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

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.