PROCESS FOR THE CONTINUOUS SYNTHESIS OF METAL OXIDE NANOPARTICLES BY HYDROTHERMAL REACTION IN A SUPERCRITICAL MEDIUM

摘要

The invention relates to a process for the continuous synthesis of nanometre-sized inorganic particles of metal oxides by hydrothermal reaction in a supercritical medium. It comprises: a) introduction of pressurized water into an annular zone and through a first end of a reactor of essentially tubular shape comprising an external wall and an internal tube; b) heating of the water in the annular zone; c) introduction of the heated and pressurized water into the internal tube and simultaneous introduction of an aqueous and/or alcoholic solution of metallic or organometallic precursors into said internal tube at the second end of the reactor; d) mixing of the water and of the aqueous and/or alcoholic solution in a first part of the internal tube, followed by a cooling of the mixture obtained in a second part of the internal tube; and e) isobaric discharge of the cooled mixture from the reactor using the internal tube. The water and the aqueous and/or alcoholic solution travels continuously or almost continuously through the internal tube.