Generation of size-monodisperse metal nanoparticles by spray pyrolysis

Size-monodisperse pure copper metal particles were formed from metal salt precursors in a spray pyrolysis process that uses ethanol as a co-solvent, thus avoiding the addition of hydrogen or other reducing gases. In addition, the uniform-size particles were classified using a droplet impactor plate, which eliminates larger droplets at the atomizer prior to entering the reactor furnace.; To investigate the role of ethanol co-solvent for the formation of phase pure metal particles in the spray pyrolysis process, the generation of phase pure copper and nickel particles from aqueous solutions of copper acetate, copper nitrate, and nickel nitrates over the temperature range of 450°C to 1000°C was demonstrated. Addition of ethanol as a co-solvent played a crucial role in producing phase pure metal powders. Results of a modeling study of ethanol decomposition kinetics suggested that co-solvent decomposition created a strong reducing atmosphere during spray pyrolysis via in-situ production of hydrogen and carbon monoxide.; With the size-classified copper spheres as well as monodisperse polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres, the polarization and intensity of light scattered by those spheres, having diameters ranging from 92 nm to 218 nm, deposited on silicon substrates were measured using 442 nm, 532 nm, and 633 nm light. The results showed that accurate calculation of the scattering of light by a metal sphere requires that the near-field interaction between the sphere and its image is included in a complete manner. The normal incidence approximation did not suffice for this interaction, and the existence of any thin oxide layer on the substrate must be included in the calculation.; In order to further examine the effects of light scattering by particles on a silicon substrate having an oxide coating, the polarization and intensity of light scattered by 101 nm polystyrene latex (PSL) and 100 nm copper spheres, deposited on silicon substrates containing various thickness of oxide films, were measured using 532 nm light. Substrate film thickness had a strong influence on sizing of surface bound particles. Particle shape had a greater effect on light scattering behavior for very thin substrate oxide films as compared to thick oxide films.