| abstract |
A continuous flow method for the preparation of micro and nanoparticles involves the introduction of particle precursors in a fluid or suspended state such that the physical variables that define the size and size distribution of resulting particles can be controlled and adjusted in a predetermined manner. By the inventive method, any size within the range accessible for a given composition of precursors, catalyst and solvents as defined by the capabilities of pumps, heaters, chillers, and the pressure limits of the system can be achieved. By including sensors for particle size and concentration coupled to a computer to control the pumps, heaters and chillers, verification of and, as needed, adjustment of the physical variables can be made to correct the size and size distribution of particles or the physical variables can be changed during production to obtain particle mixtures with uncommon size distributions in a predetermined manner. By varying the physical variables, size distributions can be monomodal, bimodal, multimodal, or polymodal, and can be narrow, normal or broad. The method can be applied to the production of particles of metal oxides, metals, alloys, organic polymers, pharmaceuticals and other organic solids. |