Abstract
Nanoscale metal oxide particles have been synthesized by using a novel method which combines laser vaporization of metal targets with controlled condensation in a diffusion cloud chamber. The following oxides have been synthesized: ZnO, SiO2, Fe2O3, Bi2O3, PdO, NiO, AgO, TeO, Sb2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, A12O3, CuO, In203, SnO2, V2O5 and MgO. With this method, the size of the particles can be conveniently controlled by careful control of the degree of supersaturation which is accomplished by adjusting the temperature gradient, total pressure, and partial pressure of the metal vapor generated by laser vaporization in a diffusion cloud chamber. The microscale structures of the SiO2 and A1203 particles exhibit interesting web-like matrices with a significant volume of vacancies. These materials may have special applications in catalysis and as reinforcing agents for liquid polymers.