The influence of plasma operation parameters on synthesis process of copper particles at atmospheric pressure

Abstract

Copper particles, generated using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ), are characterized and their generation is studied. The particle synthesis is based on the vaporization/condensation process. In our study, we used a radiofrequency (RF) plasma jet operating in an inert gas and copper bulk metal as source material. The RF power effects on the plasma characteristics are investigated. Correlating the information obtained by optical emission spectroscopy (OES), with visual investigations and with the profilometric electrode surface analyses we identify a RF power threshold when particles starts to be formed. Moreover, the metal vaporization stabilized after a couple of minutes of discharge operation. The influences of RF power over the particles shape, mean size and size distributions are studied.

The Interaction of Tungsten Dust with Human Skin Cells

“…Nanoparticles are generally synthesized using different methods largely presented in literature. These are classified mainly in chemical and physical ones [27][28][29]. In this work we preferred to use a physical synthesis method [30,31].…”

Tungsten particles fabrication by a microjet discharge

“…In spite of the fact that the experimental conditions are different from those used in fusion reactors, many of the basic processes are similar. In the present case, the erosion/melting/vaporization of the electrode surface at the contact with the microjet is observed (as discussed for Cu in [34]), followed by the solidification of droplets, nucleation and condensation of the removed material in the flowing plasma. In addition, the particles are produced without any use of chemical precursors, thus increasing the relevance of results for applications where pure materials are requested.…”

“…In the constricted regime, the main part of current passes through this spot area, and it is expected that heat dissipation proceed at this zone, which may be thermally affected if power is high enough. Morphological investigations of the electrode surface were performed to provide evidence for this process [34]. SEM images recorded at the spot area, for an applied power of only 20 W, are presented in figure 13.…”

Material Erosion and Dust Formation during Tungsten Exposure to Hollow-Cathode and Microjet Discharges

“…The two setup parts are connected by the plate nozzle and communicate through the nozzle orifice. During discharge ignition, a microjet plasma is formed, anchored with one end on the surface of the electrode and expanding through the nozzle in the collector space [50][51][52]. The formation of the micro plasma channel was studied in Reference [52].…”