Synthesis of Nano-size Particles through Reactive Thermal Plasma Processing

Abstract

A method of synthesizing functional nanostructured powders through thermal plasma processing has been developed. Nano-submicron-size metal and carbide particles were synthesized through evaporation and subsequent condensation of powders in thermal plasma. The synthesis of nano-size titanium oxide powders was performed by the oxidation of solid and liquid precursors. The plasma-synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles showed phase preferences different from those synthesized by the conventional wetchemical processes. Nanosized particles of high crystallinity and nonequilibrium chemical composition were formed in one step via the reactive thermal plasma processing.