NER: Generic Production of Nanoparticles in Plasma Microreactors

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

Generic Production of Nanoparticles in Plasma Microreactors This project focuses on using atmospheric plasma micro-reactors for the generic production of semiconductor and metal nanoparticles from gaseous precursors. Size control is accomplished by residence time in the reducing-conditions reaction zone while simultaneously limiting coagulation by particle charging in the micro-plasma. Narrowly-distributed nano-particles in the 1-3nm size regime are produced, and their optoelectronic and magnetic properties are characterized. Oppositely-charged nano-particles of dissimilar materials are combined to form particle pairs with novel properties. The new synthesis technique is simple, inexpensive, and yet it produces high quality nanoparticles. It offers easy access to a variety of materials at the nanoscale with novel optical, electrical, and magnetic properties. For example, Si nanoparticles can be made to produce red, green, or blue light, promising integration with silicon electronics to increase communication speeds. Also, nanoparticles with different properties may be combined to produce nanomaterials capable of self-assembly with added functionality, for example, magnetic-luminescent particle pairs.