Nanoscience and Nanotechnology are the growing fields of scientific research and commercial development. Nanosize powders are solid particles with typical size in the range of 1 to 100 nm. Nanosize powders have very large specific surface area giving rise to many special physical and chemical properties. Exploding Wire Method (also known as EWM) is a high energy density process by which a rising current is applied to a thin electrically conductive wire. A fine wire of metal is exploded by applying by a high voltage. The high voltage is usually Impulse voltage. The heat vaporizes the wire, and an electric arc over that vapour creates a shock wave and explosion. Exploding Wire Method is the best method for production of metal nanoparticles. When Exploding Wire Method is performed in a standard atmosphere containing oxygen, metal oxides are formed. Pure metal nanoparticles can also be produced with EWM in an inert environment, usually argon gas or distilled water. Pure metal nanopowders must be kept in their inert environment because they ignite when exposed to oxygen in air.
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