New production process offers greater opportunities for metallic nanoparticles
September 30, 2013
The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is developing new techniques for the production of metallic nanoparticles. In a statement issued by the centre it is claimed that their new production reactor, operating at atmospheric pressure, reduces the production costs of multicomponent particles, enabling the production of metallic nanomaterials which are not yet commercially available for research and product development needs.
VTT’s new reactor operates at atmospheric
pressure
The most significant applications for metallic nanoparticles currently have to do with the utilisation of their optical and magnetic properties, conductive inks and catalysts. These are also the primary areas of focus in the related development work. In the future, state VVT, optically transparent coatings will make it possible to replace precious metals with copper in applications such as solar cells, opto-electronics, and diagnostics.
In the manufacturing of conductive inks the major focus of interest is the replacement of silver with copper, which is significantly cheaper. In this field the small size of the particles affects, for example, their sintering properties, stability of the inks, and printability.
The magnetic properties of metallic nanoparticles are considerably stronger than those of oxides, which are currently being used in the industry. In addition, the use of alloy metals makes it possible to customise particle properties to meet the needs of each application. Potential applications include data storage, magnetic polymer composites, sensor and machine actuators and, in the long term, even the treatment of illnesses.
Since VTT’s new reactor operates at atmospheric pressure its construction and usage costs are low. The process is continuous and allows for affordable source materials to be used, states the research centre. The wastage rate is low, while the produced powders are pure. The reactor is particularly well suited for the production of alloy metal nanoparticles. The particle coating protects the particles from aging during handling and storage, also making it possible to combine organic compounds with metallic particles.
Ari Auvinen, Principal Scientist at VTT, stated that the next nano-innovations from Finland will be related to conductive inks, magnetic polymers, and catalysts. Commercial production of particles also creates interesting business opportunities. “3D printing is currently in increasing demand, and in the coming years, the demand for metallic materials suitable for use with printers is also likely to arise,” stated Auvinen.
