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Types of transformations:
THERMOLYSYS REDUCTION
MeXn MeXn
Metallic
particle
T +n e-
- nX - nX
T, ne-
+n e-
-nX
MeXn Me0 + nX
*Preparation of colloidal bismuth particles in polyols, J. Mater. Res., Vol. 20, No. 6, Jun 2005
CHEMICAL TRANSFORMATION / REDUCTION
Liquid - The molecules of the liquid in which the precursor particles are dispersed (polyol)
- Reducing agent molecules dissolved in the dispersion medium
Mechanisms: - Dissolution/Precipitation
- ‘Electron hopping’ (reduction of copper oxide)*
Transformation temperature Depends on - The ‘strength’ or concentration (H2) of the reducing agent
- The stability of the precursors
Particle properties
- Highly crystalline (severe internal sintering, even melting) excellent sintering properties
‘inter-particles’ shrinkage only
- Size: - from nanosize to micron size particles
- Size distribution: - wide (due to droplet and particle collisions)
- classification required to obtain narrow size distributions (methods)
- Shape: - spherical
- Cost: - high capital investment
- increases with the decrease in size
Examples a) Preparation of noble metals - simple (Au, Ag, Pd) and composite
(Ag/Pd)
- decomposition of salts in air or inert gases
b) Preparation of non-noble metals (Cu, Co, Ni, etc.)
- decomposition of salts in reducing atmosphere
Precursors Finely divided solids well-dispersed in liquids with high boiling temperatures
Metallic compounds unstable at temperatures below Tb
Example
Polyol, ~1800C Polyol, >2100C
Advantage - May preserve the size and shape of the precursor particles
- The liquid phase more effective in preventing inter-particle collisions
Challenge - Prevent the aggregation of the resulting particles (easier with polyols)
• Challenges - Prevent the aggregation of the resulting particles (dispersion of precursor particles)
- Find a salt which is not reacting with the precursors or the final particles
Solution encapsulate the precursor particles with thin films of refractory ceramics (0.1 – 1%)
• Example
PdO/ZrO2 Pd/ZrO2
• Steps dispersion coating drying transformation