(130d) Production of Metallic Bismuth Nanoparticles by Reducing Flame Spray Synthesis

Flame spray synthesis has been established as a state of the art method for the production of high purity mixed metal oxides for a vast range of applications in catalysis, optics and electronics. Here we present the modification of the traditional flame spray process allowing the cost efficient and scalable production of metallic bismuth nanoparticles of over 98% purity. At present production rates of 70 grams per hour are possible on a laboratory scale set-up.

The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy confirming the formation of pure, crystalline metallic bismuth nanoparticles. Compression of the as-prepared powder resulted in highly dense, nanocrystalline pills with strong electrical conductivity and bright metallic gloss.

References: R.N. Grass and W.J. Stark, J. Nanoparticle Res., 2006, in Press.