Nanoparticles have become important in many applications. It is essential to be able to control the particle size, because the properties of nanoparticles change dramatically with particle size.

An efficient way to create nanoparticles is to use aerosol processes. In this study a method called Liquid Flame Spray is used. In Liquid Flame Spray a high speed hydrogen/oxygen flame with liquid precursor is used. We have studied the effects of different parameters on particle size of titania. Titania is used as a photocatalyst, but the particle size and the crystal structure is important when looking at the efficiency. Using the flame methods dopants and sensitizers can easily be introduced in order to improve the photocatalytic activity. The generated nanoparticle size has been measured by aerosol instrumentation and the morphology has been verified with transmission electron microscopy.

In Liquid Flame Spray method there are several adjustable parameters. Those are precursor feed rate into the flame; concentration of the precursor; solvent used in the precursor; precursor material itself; mass flow of combustion gases and of course the torch used.

We used metal organic based titanium precursors. Alcohol solvents, predominantly ethanol and 2-propanol, were used in precursors. There were great differences in particle production between the precursors. Differences could also be seen for various solvents. As for precursor feed in the flame the more mass is introduced the larger the nanoparticles are i.e. precursor concentration and precursor feed rate have an impact on particle size. A similar phenomenon can be discovered for the combustion gases. Torch design also plays an important role in controlling the particle size.

• Legal notice:
  

  Copyright (c) Pielaszek Research, all rights reserved.
  The above materials, including auxiliary resources, are subject to Publisher's copyright and the Author(s) intellectual rights. Without limiting Author(s) rights under respective Copyright Transfer Agreement, no part of the above documents may be reproduced without the express written permission of Pielaszek Research, the Publisher. Express permission from the Author(s) is required to use the above materials for academic purposes, such as lectures or scientific presentations.
  In every case, proper references including Author(s) name(s) and URL of this webpage: https://science24.com/paper/7886 must be provided.

1. Thin nanoparticle coatings generated by Liquid Flame Spray method