Partic. vol. 30 pp. 15-39 (February 2017)
doi: 10.1016/j.partic.2016.07.003

Review

Advances in scalable gas-phase manufacturing and processing of nanostructured solids: A review

Samir Salameh^a, Jesús Gómez-Hernández^{a, b}, Aristeidis Goulas^{a, c}, Hao Van Bui^a, J. Ruud van Ommen^{a, *}

J.R.vanOmmen@tudelft.nl

Abstract

Although the gas-phase production of nanostructured solids has already been carried out in industry for decades, only in recent years has research interest in this topic begun to increase. Nevertheless, despite the remarkable scientific progress made recently, many long-established processes are still used in industry. Scientific advancements can potentially lead to the improvement of existing industrial processes, but also to the development of completely new routes. This paper aims to review state-of-the-art synthesis and processing technologies, as well as the recent developments in academic research. Flame reactors that produce inorganic nanoparticles on industrial- and lab-scales are described, alongside a detailed overview of the different systems used for the production of carbon nanotubes and graphene. We discuss the problems of agglomeration and mixing of nanoparticles, which are strongly related to synthesis and processing. Finally, we focus on two promising processing techniques, namely nanoparticle fluidization and atomic layer deposition.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Nanoparticle synthesis; Gas-phase process; Nanoparticle fluidization; Atomic layer deposition; Agglomeration