(513dy) Nanoparticles on Demand: A Self-Optimized Flow System for Nanoparticles Synthesis

Herein, we are presenting a novel technology for the continuous, stable and repeatable synthesis of ligand-free silver nanoparticles with on-demand sizes between 5 to 80 nm and narrow distributions using a manufacturing platform with different inter-connected microreactors ^1,2.

Our novel approach is based on an autonomous flow system equipped with high-throughput real-time screening characterization in the absence of organic capping ligands, providing size tuneability in contrast to their conventional use to control sizes. In this way, we also avoid their potential interference in the final applications (e.g. catalysis^3,4 and biotechnology⁵) and the need of post-synthesis removal.

Rapid (<30 seconds) online characterisation for size and shape is enabled by coupling spectroscopy to a Mie theory-based algorithm¹. This unique system integrates two graphic user interfaces developed in LabView and Matlab, providing unique real-time control capabilities to nanoparticle growth, being able to self-optimise to account for any changes in the system such as aging of the solutions and fouling.

References

1. Pinho, B. & Torrente-Murciano, L. Continuous manufacturing of silver nanoparticles between 5 and 80 nm with rapid online optical size and shape evaluation. React. Chem. Eng. 5, 342–355 (2020).
2. Wu, K. J., De Varine Bohan, G. M. & Torrente-Murciano, L. Synthesis of narrow sized silver nanoparticles in the absence of capping ligands in helical microreactors. React. Chem. Eng. 2, 116–128 (2017).
3. Zheng, N., Yang, J., Wu, B., Fu, G. & Huang, H. Selective Hydrogenation of α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes Catalyzed by Amine-Capped Platinum-Cobalt Nanocrystals. Angew. Chemie Int. Ed. 51, 3440–3443 (2012).
4. Shahbazali, E., Hessel, V., Noël, T. & Wang, Q. Metallic nanoparticles made in flow and their catalytic applications in organic synthesis. Nanotechnol. Rev. 0, 1–23 (2013).
5. Verma, A. & Mehata, M. S. Controllable synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Neem leaves and their antimicrobial activity. J. Radiat. Res. Appl. Sci. 9, 109–115 (2016).