Synthesis of Nanoscale Metal Oxide Particles Using Laser Vaporization/Condensation in a Diffusion Cloud Chamber

Abstract

A novel method which combines laser vaporization of metals with controlled condensation in a diffusion cloud chamber is used to synthesize nanoscale metal oxide and carbide particles (10-20 nm) of homogeneous size and well-defined composition. The following oxides have been synthesized: ZnO, SiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , Bi 2 O 3 , PdO, NiO, AgO, TeO, Sb 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , CuO, In 2 O 3 , SnO, V 2 O 5 , and MgO. The microscale structures of the SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 particles exhibit secondary open-structure arrays of interesting weblike matrices with significant volumes of voids in the aggregate structure. These materials may have special applications in catalysis and as reinforcing agents for liquid polymers