Flame spray pyrolysis (FSP)
Flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) processes are quite attractive as they can employ a wide array of precursor compared to conventional vapor-fed flame reactors. Each droplet contains the precursor in the same stoichiometry as desired in the product so a broad spectrum of functional metal and mixed metal oxide nanoparticles can be synthesized applying e.g. for catalysis, sensors and electroceramics [1].
Up till now a variety of products have been synthesized by FSP as for example silica [2], bismuth oxide, ceria [3], zinc oxide, zinc oxide/silica composites, platinum/alumina.
Fig. 1 shows a 35 cm height HMDSO/EtOH spray flame producing 300 g/h of fumed silica using oxygen as dispersion gas. The particles are colleted in a baghouse filter unit.
Potential sponsors of the above research topics involve the Swiss Commission for Technology and Innovation (CTI) and Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF).
Recent, relevant references:
- Kammler, H. K., Mädler, L., and Pratsinis, S. E., "Flame synthesis of nanoparticles," Chem. Eng. Technol., 24 (6), 583-596 (2001).
- Mädler, L., Kammler, H. K., Mueller, R., and Pratsinis, S.E., "Controlled synthesis of nanostructured particles by flame spray pyrolysis," J. Aerosol Sci., 33 (2), 369-389 (2002).
- Mädler, L., Stark, W. J., and Pratsinis, S. E., "Flame-made ceria nanoparticles", J. Mater. Res., 17 (6), 1356-1362 (2002).