Synthesis of Functional Nano-Structured Powders Using Thermal Plasma Processing

Abstract

Synthesis of functional nano-structured powders has been developed through the reactive thermal plasma processing. Spherical carbon powders, such as phenolic resin, glassy carbon and graphite powders, were treated in reactive thermal plasma. Crystallinity, chemical composition, and surface morphology were changed in plasma-treated carbon powders depending on the plasma conditions. Plasma-treated powders were applied to the anode of lithium-ion rechargeable battery, and improvement of the discharge capacity and the discharge efficiency was recognized. Also, the synthesis of nano-size titanium oxide powders has been performed by the oxidation of solid and liquid precursors. Plasma-synthesized TiO₂ nano-particles showed the different phase preference from those synthesized by conventional wet processes. The nano-size particles of high crystallinity and non-equilibrium chemical composition were formed by one-step processing.