On-line monitoring of composite nanoparticles synthesized in a pre-industrial laser pyrolysis reactor using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) was employed for on-line and real time process monitoring during nanoparticle production by laser pyrolysis. Laser pyrolysis has proved to be a reliable and versatile method for nanoparticle production. However, an on-line and real time monitoring system could greatly enhance the process optimization and accordingly improve its performances. For this purpose, experiments aiming at demonstrating the feasibility of an on-line monitoring system for silicon carbide nanoparticle production using the LIBS technique were carried out. Nanosecond laser pulses were focused into a cell through which part of the nanoparticle flux diverted from the production process was flowed for LIBS analysis purposes. The nanoparticles were vaporized within the laser-induced plasma created in argon used as background gas in the process. Temporally-resolved emission spectroscopy measurements were performed in order to monitor nanoparticle stoichiometry. Promising results were obtained and on-line Si/C-x stoichiometry was successfully observed. These results put forward the possibility of real time correction of the nanoparticle stoichiometry during the production process. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.