Low-Temperature Continuous Flow Synthesis of Metal Ammonium Phosphates

Abstract

The synthesis of the high performance inorganic materials essential to the quality of modern day life is hindered by traditionalist attitudes and reliance on outdated methods such as batch syntheses. While continuous flow methods have been extensively adopted in pharmaceutical circles, they remain largely unexplored for the preparation of inorganic compounds, despite higher efficiency, safety and versatility. In this publication, we demonstrate a step-change for the synthesis of metal ammonium phosphates through conversion of the extant batch process to a low-temperature continuous regime, exhibiting a tenfold increase in throughput combined with a significant decrease in particle size.

Facile synthesis of novel, known, and low-valent transition metal phosphates via reductive phosphatization

“…Structure directing techniques are used to optimize the performance of the materials, porosity is generated via nanocasting strategies, thin lms are formed via gas phase deposition, and nanoparticles are synthesized by electrochemical approaches. 12,[14][15][16][17][18] No matter what kind of technique is used or what kind of application is envisaged, all methods have in common the use of phosphate-based precursor compounds, very different to the method presented here. In contrast to conventional syntheses, in our route a hypophosphite salt acts as precursor in combination with metal oxides.…”

Metal Ammonium Phosphates Ion Exchangers for the Remediation of Low-Level Nuclear Wastes

“…The adsorbents (MgAP, MnAP, FeAP, CoAP, NiAP, ZnAP, and SnHP) were synthesised and characterised as described previously. 22 All , with a recorded pH of 3.3.…”

“…[17][18][19][20] For decontamination purposes however, selectivity is unnecessary, rather an ability to absorb a wide range of radionuclide contaminants is often preferred. 21 We previously demonstrated 22 an efficient, scalable continuous flow synthesis method 23 for the quantitative preparation of metal ammonium phosphates (MAPs) and related compounds with a small particle sizes (< 24 μm), narrow size distributions, and high surface areas (up to 50 m 2 /g, see . Here, Ce is present as a surrogate for U and other polyvalent ions that may be present in such liquors.…”

“…1: Theoretical capacities of the candidate adsorbents (accounting for MW and the above stoichiometry), alongside BET surface areas and particle sizes previously reported 22. The adsorption of the cations from the model liquor onto the tested adsorbents are believed to occur via exchange with…”

Metal Ammonium Phosphates Ion Exchangers for the Remediation of Low-Level Nuclear Wastes

“…We previously demonstrated 22 an efficient, scalable continuous flow synthesis method 23 for the quantitative preparation of metal ammonium phosphates (MAPs) and related compounds with a small particle sizes (< 24 μm), narrow size distributions, and high surface areas (up to 50 m 2 /g, see . Here, Ce is present as a surrogate for U and other polyvalent ions that may be present in such liquors.…”