Material Synthesis by Aerosol Particle Technology: from Carbon Black to Breath Sensors

Abstract

The lecture will start with a fascinating overview of aerosol technology from ancient China and the bible printing of Gutenberg to the current manufacture of commodities. Recent advances in particle formation and growth through discrete element modeling and molecular dynamics allow now optimal process design, away from the Edisonian approaches of the past. In specific, the rapid attainment of asymptotic agglomerate structure and self-preserving size distribution by coagulation greatly facilitate process design for material synthesis. This leads to scalable synthesis of sophisticated nanoparticles with controlled composition, size and morphology by flame spray pyrolysis putting new high value products (e.g. nanosilver and carbon-coated Co nanoparticles) in the market already while several promising ones are emerging such as single atom catalysts and chemoresistive sensors for breath analysis. The latter is highlighted for highly selective monitoring of acetone, NH₃, isoprene and even formaldehyde that are tracers of body fat burning, end stage renal disease, cholesterol and indoor air pollution, respectively, while sensor arrays are assembled to sniff–out earthquake victims.

Graphical Abstract