| abstract |
A method and apparatus for producing surface stabilized nanometer-sized particles includes the steps of mixing reactants, a surface-stabilizing surfactant, and a high boiling point liquid to form a mixture, continuously passing the mixture through an ultrasonic spray nozzle to form a mist of droplets of the mixture, injecting the mist directly into a furnace to cause a reaction between species of the mixture, and collecting the nanometer-sized products. The ultrasonic nozzle is positioned directly at one end of the heating furnace, preferably the top end, for travel of the droplets through the furnace. The continuous liquid-flow process, along with certain operating parameters, eliminates the need for dilution of the high boiling point liquid with a low boiling point solvent as in the prior art, significantly increases the yield, improves the quality of the product, and makes the process scalable. |