Method and Apparatus for Surface Chemical Functionalization of Powders and Nanoparticles

摘要

A method and apparatus is provided for the modification of the surface chemistry of solid nano- and micro-particles in order to tailor the properties and functions of these particles. The method generally involves the generation of an atmospheric plasma glow discharge and energetic species that undergo chemical reaction with the surface of the primary particles. The process includes the generation of energetic species to initiate reaction, optional delivery of a precursor fluid, optional delivery of chemical species for grafting, and delivery of separated and de-agglomerated particles into the plasma discharge exiting the plasma generation chamber.

主权项

1. A method for the surface chemical functionalization of nano- and micro-sized solid particles; the method comprising the steps of:
i. producing an atmospheric plasma discharge comprising energetic plasma species; ii. delivering a chemical precursor fluid to the plasma discharge; iii. delivering a stream of nano- or micro-sized particles, such that the particles contact the plasma discharge and precursor fluid; iv. allowing the precursor fluid to be chemically activated and reactive sites on the particles' surface to form by interaction with the energetic plasma species in the plasma discharge; v. modifying the surface of the particles by grafting the activated precursor fluid to the reactive sites on the particles' surface; and vi. collecting the surface modified particles in a fluid stream or a vessel.