A model for the particle mass yield in the aerosol synthesis of ultrafine monometallic nanoparticles by spark ablation.

Abstract In this work we present a systematic study of metallic nanoparticle production by spark ablation. We show how to adjust key process parameters to tune the obtained particle size, concentration and mass for various metals and carbon, which we produced in its amorphous form according to Raman spectroscopy, as the present experimental setup offers the possibly for a fast and easy exchange of the electrodes. For nearly all tested materials a mean particle size of below 5 nm can be obtained if proper process conditions are chosen. We show that energy efficiency of the spark ablation process can be increased by higher circuit capacitance and smaller electrode diameters. Furthermore, we correlate the particle mass production during spark ablation with a modified Fourier number. This allows us to compare expected mass yields for different elements and indicates that heat dissipation and especially conduction away from the spark region plays an important role for the particle production. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Particles from 11 different elements: Ag, Al, C, Cu, Hf, Mo, Nb, Sn, Ti, W and Zn. • Characterization of the influence of key process parameters on aerosol properties. • Raman spectroscopy of the produced carbon particles. • Partial dissipation of heat from the spark discharge influences particle production. • Correlation of the produced particle mass with a modified Fourier number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]