Effect of shield gas on the size distribution of aluminum nanoparticles synthesized in

thermal plasma reactor

Vijaykumar B. Varma, Chiti M. Tank, Amiya Nandi, Arti Pant, Hima Prashant, R. K. Pandey, A. K. Das, S. V.
Bhoraskar, and V. L. Mathe

Citation: AIP Conference Proceedings 1512, 436 (2013); doi: 10.1063/1.4791098

View online: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4791098
View Table of Contents: http://aip.scitation.org/toc/apc/1512/1
Published by the American Institute of Physics

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 Effect of Shield Gas on the Size Distribution of Aluminum
Nanoparticles Synthesized in Thermal Plasma Reactor
Vijaykumar B. Varma1, Chiti M. Tank1, Amiya Nandi2, Arti Pant2,
Hima Prashant2, R. K. Pandey2, A. K. Das3, S. V. Bhoraskar1 and V. L. Mathe1
1
Plasma Nanomaterials Lab, Department of Physics, University of Pune, Pune-411 007.
2
High Energy Materials Research Lab, Sutarwadi, Pune-411 021.
3
Laser and Plasma Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai-400 085.
Email: vlmathe@physics.unipune.ac.in, +91-9049682053

Abstract. Synthesizing nano-particles with narrow size distribution in the gas phase process, via thermal plasma reactor
is a challenge. The paper addresses this problem by introducing a crucial modification in thermal plasma reactor, used to
produce nano-aluminum particles for propellant applications. The size distribution is assessed by transmission electron
microscopy.
Keywords: Aluminum nano particles(ANP), particle size distribution, shield gas, thermal plasma reactor.
PACS: 52.77.Fv, 81.05.-t, 81.07.-b, 81.07.Bc

INTRODUCTION
SCHEMATIC OF THE SETUP
Thermal plasma method is one of the techniques
for large-scale synthesis of nano-particles. Because of
its high enthalpy, high reaction temperature and steep
temperature gradient; it is most suitable method for
synthesis of nanoparticles of metal, metal oxide and
refractory materials. This method is adopted for the
synthesis of aluminum nano-particles1 (ANP).
Large-scale synthesis of metal nano-particles is one
of the attracting properties of thermal plasma method,
with no requirement of post processing. However,
particle size distribution is fairly wide in normal
synthesis route.
Here, we propose to control size distribution by
introducing a shield gas envelope, surrounding the
cylindrical plasma flume, and we report effect of FIGURE 1. Schematic of Thermal Plasma Reactor with
Shield Gas Arrangement to Tailor Size of Nanomaterials
shielding gas on the size distribution of ANP. ANP’s
are required in large quantity for solid rocket
Temperature gradient of the thermal plasma reactor
propellants for defense applications.
plays very crucial role on the synthesis of
Reactivity of ANP increases with reduction in its
nanomaterials. For narrow size distribution, we
size. If size distribution is wide then it comprises ANP
monitored temperature gradient of the thermal plasma
of varying reactivity. In order to control on size
reactor, to favor desired product. We have used argon
distribution, a cold gas was introduced from the
gas for the Shield Gas envelope, surrounding the
bottom of the thermal plasma reactor, which helps in
cylindrical plasma flume, for two purposes
obtaining steep temperature gradient.
1. Modification of temperature gradient of the
reactor to favor growth of smaller particles

SOLID STATE PHYSICS: Proceedings of the 57th DAE Solid State Physics Symposium 2012
AIP Conf. Proc. 1512, 436-437 (2013); doi: 10.1063/1.4791098
© 2013 American Institute of Physics 978-0-7354-1133-3/$30.00

436
 2a 2b XRD of ANP

2c

1 1 1
Intensity (Normalized)
125 Synthesized
100 at 10LPM of

2 0 0
Shield Gas
75

3 1 1
2 2 0
50

25

0
20 30 40 50 60 70 80
2*theta (degree)

140 XRD of ANP XRD of ANP

Intensity (Normalized)

Intensity (Normalized)
111

111
120 Synthesized 125 Synthesized
without Shield at 20LPM of
100 100
Gas Shield Gas
2 0 0

80

200
75
2 2 0

3 1 1

60

220
50

311
500nm 50nm 50nm
40
20 25

0 0
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
2*theta (degree) 2*theta (degree)

FIGURE 2. TEM images of synthesized ANP at Shield Gas flow rate of a) 0LPM, b) 10LPM and c) 20LPM

3a 3b 3c

FIGURE 3. Particle Size Distribution of synthesized ANP at Shield Gas flow rate of a) 0LPM, b) 10LPM and c) 20LPM.

2.
Allowing particles of threshold size to pass
through the envelope of the shield gas
Both factors depend on flow rates of the shield gas and
plasma gas (gas through the plasma torch). It was
optimized, so that only particles of certain size would
form and cross the envelope of the shield gas.
Figure 2-a, 2-b and 2-c show TEM images of ANP
synthesized with shield gas at the flow rate of 0LPM,
10LPM and 20LPM respectively. XRD pattern shown
in inset of figure 2(a-c) confirms formation of ANP.
Fig. 3(a-c) show particle size distributions of the same.
TABLE 1. Parameters for synthesis of ANP
Parameter
Current
Voltage
Torch Gas
Ambient Gas
Pressure
Shield Gas
the flow rate of shield gas; which is 60nm for 0LPM,
9nm for 10LPM and 6nm for 20LPM as shown in fig-
3a, 3b, 3c respectively.
It is due to increase in the steepness of the
temperature gradient of thermal plasma reactor. Since,
with increase in flow rate of the shield gas, cooling
rate of the nearby zone increases. This steep
temperature gradient, obtained due to high flow rate of
shield gas, favors synthesis of smaller sized nano-
particles. Envelope of the shield gas acts as a grid,
which allows particles of particular size to pass
through the envelope and all other guided towards the
direction of the flow of shield gas. However, particles
Value with threshold size, not deflected due to high flow rate
150A of the shield gas, condense on the inner side of the
40V reactor. Hence, synthesis of particles of desired size
Ar (5LPM)
and narrow distribution is favored due to shield gas.
Ar (filled up to 250torr)
500torr
Ar (0, 10, 20 LPM) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We gratefully acknowledge High Energy Materials

Research Lab, Pune for funding this research work.
From figure-3a, 3b and 3c; particle size distribution
seen to be narrowed with increase in the flow rate of REFERENCES
the shield gas; it spreads up to 280nm for 0LPM, 90nm
1
for 10LPM and 30nm for 20LPM flow rate of shield K. Kim, Metals and Materials International 14, 707 (2008).
gas. Average particle size decreased with increase in

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