Spark discharge generator as a stable and reliable nanoparticle synthesis device: Analysis of the impact of process and circuit variables on the characteristics of synthesized nanoparticles

Nanotechnology offers the promise of harnessing quantum properties not available in the bulk phase. These desirable properties are highly dependent on size and composition. Generators that control these variables are therefore essential for progress in the field. The spark discharge generator (SDG) is an outstanding aerosol route for nanoparticle synthesis, which stands out due to its fast kinetics, scalability, high purity, accuracy and reproducibility, with the added advantage of allowing the synthesis of nanoparticles of any conducting material. These advantages are a consequence of its vast heating and cooling rates, its intrinsic and easily controllable electronic variables at the reach of a click. However, the mechanistic impact of these variables on the actual aerosol generated is still not fully understood. In this work, we constructed an SDG and systematically studied its behavior with particular interest in the effect that resistance, capacitance, inductance, flow rate, gap separation and current have on the electrical behavior of the spark. Our model system produced primarily Fe and Cu nanoparticles with measured concentrations ranging 5*10⁵ – 2*10⁷ part/cm³, and mean agglomerate sizes of 5 – 80 nm. We discuss how the spark influences particle size and number concentration and provide useful correlations that link dependent with independent variables. Remarkably, a finite resistance produces a maximum in the output of the generated aerosols. This suggests a direct link between RLC properties of the circuit and cabling into the frequency of the spark, and nanoparticle number concentration, indicating potential for exploiting such behavior towards maximizing nanoparticle generation. Furthermore, we discuss a link between spark oscillations and energy release with its consequent aerosol generation.