System and method for producing ultrafine metal particles suspended in aqueous medium

摘要

The present disclosure is drawn to methods and systems for producing solutions containing ultrafine metal particles. The method for producing ultrafine metal particles in an aqueous medium includes providing a reaction chamber having a transition metal anode and a transition metal cathode disposed therein. The reaction chamber can also contain an aqueous medium. An anode and cathode are associated at a distance with respect to one another such that when activated by a power source, a discharge arc occurs between the anode and cathode within the aqueous medium. Activation of a power source causes the discharge arc to occur between the anode and the cathode, thereby generating ultrafine metal particles suspended within the aqueous medium.

主权项

1. A system for producing solutions containing ultrafine metal particles, comprising:
a reaction chamber configured to retain an aqueous medium; a pulsing power source capable of controlling electric current; a transition metal cathode and a transition metal anode operably connected to the pulsing power source and configured to be submersed in the aqueous medium, when present, such that a discharge gap is present between the transition metal anode and transition metal cathode; a control unit configured to monitor and adjust the discharge gap to maintain the discharge gap within a predetermined range of about 0.0001 inches to about 0.005 inches by moving at least one of the anode or the cathode; and an aqueous medium management system operably connected to the reaction chamber and configured to maintain the concentration of the metallic particles in the aqueous medium within a predetermined range.