Nickel Nanoparticles Formation from Solution Plasma Using Edge-Shielded Electrode

Because of the easy massproduction, synthesis of metallic nanoparticles from a solution plasma is an attractive method. However, a solution plasma produces a highly inhomogeneous electric field via transition to full-plasma, and the products are partially oxidized and agglomerated, with a wide size-distribution. Here, we show a simple method of suppressing oxidation of products. An electrode tip was shield by a glass tube and a voltage of up to 180 V was applied with the electrolyte of 0.1 M NaOH solution. Significantly, the edge-shield was quite effective for maintaining partially glow discharge. The results were (1) surface temperature of the electrode less than 100 degrees C, (2) main phase of metallic nickel evaluated by XRD, and (3) nanoparticles of an average size of 220 nm. These results showed the potential for an application to the production of nanoparticles.