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A Continuous-flow Photocatalytic Reactor for the Precisely Controlled Deposition of Metallic Nanoparticles
Published on: April 10, 2019
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Shape-controlled continuous synthesis of metal nanostructures
Victor Sebastian1, Christopher D Smith1, Klavs F Jensen1
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77, Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA. kfjensen@mit.edu.
Nanoscale
|March 2, 2016
Summary
Continuous production of nanocrystals is achieved using segmented flow microreactors. This method precisely controls nanostructure size and shape, producing palladium nanorods, palladium nanosheets, and platinum nanocubes efficiently.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Continuous production of precisely controlled nanocrystals is challenging.
- Microfluidic reactors offer potential for controlled synthesis.
- Gas-phase control is crucial for nanostructure morphology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a continuous flow method for producing faceted nanocrystals.
- To investigate the role of gas switching (O2 to CO) in controlling nanostructure morphology.
- To demonstrate the synthesis of specific palladium and platinum nanostructures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a segmented flow microreactor for continuous synthesis.
- Manipulated gas composition (oxygen vs. carbon monoxide) to control growth kinetics.
- Employed carbon monoxide as a second phase, reductant, and capping agent.
- Operated the microreactor at elevated temperatures and pressures.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized palladium nanorods (aspect ratio 6) and palladium nanosheets (1.5 nm thickness).
- Produced platinum nanocubes (5.6 nm edge length).
- Achieved synthesis in as little as 150 seconds.
- Demonstrated reproducible control over nanostructure size and shape.
Conclusions:
- Segmented flow microreactors provide a versatile platform for continuous nanocrystal production.
- Carbon monoxide plays a critical role in directing the growth of specific nanostructures like Pd nanosheets and Pt nanocubes.
- The system offers safe and efficient synthesis of controlled nanostructures at the nanoscale.
