Preparation of carbon nanoparticles by plasma arc discharge under fluidized dynamic equilibrium

Continuous preparation of carbon nanoparticles by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)-induced non-thermal plasma arc discharge with large spacing in a modified fluidized bed is presented. Discharge arc is generated via the inducement of DBD which provides conductive media in order to realize a large spacing arc discharge. Three kinds of flow conditions defined as full circulation, fluidized dynamic equilibrium, and full collection are determined by the relationship of critical fluidized velocity and the real gas velocity after some modification of the fluidized bed. Movement model of carbon nanoparticles has been proposed to illustrate the flow conditions. A visualized and comprehensive refinement of aggregating processes has been exhibited and proved by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Simplified equivalent electrical conductive model of the arc discharge system is successful to generally and perspicuously figure out the discharge process which is impeded by the generated carbon nanoparticles. Effects of flow conditions and flow ratio of carrier gas/carbon source on morphology and yield of nanoparticles have been analyzed by morphology observation and yield calculation along with modeling the process.