A new nano particle synthesizer, capable of producing a wide range of high purity metal oxides in batch or continuous operation, has been launched by Hosokawa Micron. The new NanoCreator® FCM is able to create single component particles or multi-metal oxide components with particle size adjustment from a few nm to a few hundred nm.
Particles are created in a build up method which facilitates the flexibility in particle size. The unit can produce nano particles consisting of multi-components with three structural patterns; core shell, solid solution and finely dispersed types. These patterns are formed depending on raw materials and their concentrations during the particle formation. Individual component ratios can be varied to optimise the quality of the final product.
Raw material in solution is fed together with the reaction gas into the reactor. The raw material is then vaporised and nano particles are generated by a chemical reaction within the gas phase with the assistance of a flame. The critical step of the process, to maintain the pristine particles is to collect the nano particles by rapid quenching before the occurrence of any grain size growth or particle agglomeration appears.
The NanoCreator® FCM-MINI for small batches is able to produce batches from 1-10g in approx 30 minutes, depending on type of metal oxide and particle size requirements. Competitively priced and with a small footprint the unit is suitable for those wishing to enter nano material production.
A larger FCM-400 model is available for continuous, hourly production of 100-200g of material, again depending on the recipe of the product and particle size requirement.
Both units are easy to disassemble for cleaning purposes.