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New synthesis method offering the possibility to produce nanoparticles of metals with absolutely different thermophysical properties

APT has developed a new synthesis method offering the possibility to produce nanoparticles of metals with absolutely different thermophysical properties including metals which do not form alloys under normal conditions.

This method uses a self-organization process similar to that used for chemical synthesis, but permits to extend considerably the range of obtained nanoparticles (no limitations related to physicochemical properties of metal components which form the particle) due to quickly changing thermodynamic parameters of the process.

Below is an example of Al-Zn nanoparticle properties. Nanoparticle images are made by means of JEM-2100 transmission electron microscope. Phase content analysis of nanoparticles is made by X-Max X-ray detector which is part of the microscope.

                 a                                          b                                        c                          

Fig. а – initial nanoparticle image, Fig. b – aluminium distribution in nanoparticles, Fig. с – zinc distribution in nanoparticles

Al-Zn nanoparticle size distribution histogram

This method enables to produce nanoparticles out of metals represented in the form of thin metal wires in various combinations: Cu-Ag, Fe-Ni, Zn-Ni, Ni-Al, Cu-Al, Fe-Al, etc.

The method developed by APT is unique because it enables to synthesize two-component nanoparticles of metals with different physicochemical properties, e.g. insoluble or characterized by limited liquid solubility, insoluble and forming no chemical compounds when solid. This allows designing materials on a nanometer level.