Abstract: Methods for forming nanostructures of various shapes are disclosed. Nanocubes, nanowires, nanopyramids and multiply twinned particles of silver may by formed by combining a solution of silver nitrate in ethylene glycol with a solution of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) in ethylene glycol. Hollow nanostructures may be formed by reacting a solution of solid nanostructures comprising one of a first metal and a first metal alloy with a metal salt that can be reduced by the first metal or first metal alloy. Nanostructures comprising a core with at least one nanoshell may be formed by plating a nanostructure and reacting the plating with a metal salt.

Abstract: Magnesium-copper compositions are used for the evaporation of magnesium and container up to 43.34% by weight magnesium.

Abstract: A raw magnesium alloy powder material having a relatively small crystal grain diameter is obtained by subjecting a starting material powder having a relatively large crystal grain diameter to a plastic working in which the powder is passed through a pair of rolls to undergo compressive deformation or shear deformation. The starting material powder is a magnesium alloy powder having a fine intermetallic compound (21) precipitated and dispersed in a base (22) by a heat treatment. A work strain (22) is formed around the precipitated intermetallic compound (21) in the magnesium alloy powder after processed by the plastic working. The magnesium alloy powder after processed by the plastic working has a maximum size of 10 mm or less and a minimum size of 0.1 mm or more, and the magnesium particle constituting the base (20) has a maximum crystal grain diameter of 20 ?m or less.

Abstract: An efficient process for producing fine nickel powder, capable of metallizing the powder at low temperature to prevent its sintering, and fine nickel powder produced by the process, composed of particles having a flat shape, diameter of limited variations and uniform thickness, and suitable for internal electrodes for laminate ceramic capacitors of high electric capacity. The process comprises a step for forming a nickel compound coated with gelatin by adsorbing gelatin on preformed nickel compound particles with different size and shape (Step (A)), and another step for converting said nickel compound coated with gelatin into fine particles containing metallic nickel and nickel oxide by heating the nickel compound coated with gelatin produced in Step (A) in an inert gas atmosphere (Step (B)). It may include an additional step (Step (C)), subsequent to Step (B), for completely reducing nickel oxide in said fine particles by heating at temperature lower than that for Step (B) in a reducing gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A system and method for high volume production of nanoparticles, nanotubes, and items incorporating nanoparticles and nanotubes. Microwave, radio frequency, or infrared energy vaporizes a metal catalyst which, as it condenses, is contacted by carbon or other elements such as silicon, germanium, or boron to form agglomerates. The agglomerates may be annealed to accelerate the production of nanotubes. Magnetic or electric fields may be used to align the nanotubes during their production. The nanotubes may be separated from the production byproducts in aligned or non-aligned configurations. The agglomerates may be formed directly into tools, optionally in compositions that incorporate other materials such as abrasives, binders, carbon-carbon composites, and cermets.

Abstract: Ammonium hexachlororuthenate is produced by adding ammonium chloride to a hydrochloric acid solution containing ruthenium. The ammonium hexachlororuthenate is baked to obtain the ruthenium powder. When the moisture content of the ammonium hexachlororuthenate is high, the baked product is so hard sintered product that its pulverization is not easy. In accordance with the present invention, the following steps are carried out. Hydrochloric acid solution containing ruthenium is held at a temperature of 80 to 95° C. for three hours or longer. The ammonium chloride is then added to the hydrochloric acid solution which is stirred by a stirring mill at the rotation of 200 revolutions per minute or more. The hydrochloric acid solution is held at a temperature of from 85 to 95° C. for 1 hour while being stirred at 200 rpm. The resultant precipitate of ammonium hexachlororuthenate is filtered. The inventive crystals of precipitated ammonium hexachlororuthenate has 10 mass % or less of moisture content.

Abstract: A process for producing a low-oxygen metal powder, comprising passing a raw metal powder coated by hot melting of a hydrocarbon organic compound through thermal plasma flame composed mainly of an inert gas so as to reduce the content of oxygen in the raw metal powder. Preferably, the obtained metal powder is subjected to heat treatment in vacuum or hydrogen atmosphere. Preferred example of the hydrocarbon organic compound is stearic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing gold nanoprisms. In particular, gold nanoprisms having uniform shapes and edge lengths and thickness are produced utilizing a three step growth process.

Abstract: A metal nanoparticle composition includes a bident amine stabilizer associated with an external surface of the metal nanoparticle. A method of forming conductive features on a substrate, providing a solution of dispersed bident amine-stabilized metal nanoparticles, depositing the bident amine-stabilized metal nanoparticle dispersion onto a substrate, and heating the printed substrate to form conductive features on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A plurality of gold nanoparticles disposed on a surface of a substrate includes nanoparticles having an average particle density greater than 1.8×1011 particles per squared centimeter of the surface. The gold nanoparticles include a monomodal diameter distribution and an average diameter capable of being arbitrarily controlled between about 5 nm to about 300 nm. The surface may be a three-dimensional surface or an internal surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the deoxidation of valve metal primary powders by means of reducing metals and/or metal hydrides, and a process for the production of tantalum powders that are suitable as anode material for electrolytic capacitors.

Abstract: A high purity Ru powder wherein the content of the respective alkali metal elements such as Na and K is 10 wtppm or less, and the content of Al is in the range of 1 to 50 wtppm. Further provided is a manufacturing method of such high purity Ru powder wherein Ru raw material having a purity of 3N (99.9%) or less is used as an anode and electrolytic refining is performed in a solution. Further still, provided is a high purity Ru powder for manufacturing a sputtering target which is capable of reducing harmful substances as much as possible, generates few particles during deposition, has a uniform film thickness distribution, has a purity of 4N (99.99%) or higher, and is suitable in forming a capacitor electrode material of a semiconductor memory; a sputtering target obtained by sintering such high purity Ru powder; a thin film obtained by sputtering this target; and a manufacturing method of the foregoing high purity Ru powder.

Abstract: A metal powder production apparatus includes a supply part for supplying molten metal and a nozzle provided below the supply part. The nozzle is provided with a flow path defined by an inner circumferential surface of the nozzle through which the molten metal supplied from the supply part can pass. The inner circumferential surface of the nozzle has a gradually reducing inner diameter portion whose inner diameter is gradually reduced in a downward direction. The nozzle is further provided with an orifice opened at a bottom end of the flow path and adapted to inject water toward the flow path. The nozzle has a first member having the gradually reducing inner diameter portion and a second member provided below the first member with a space left between the first member and the second member. The orifice is defined by the first member and the second member. A heat absorption body is provided on the first member.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method for the production of metallic nano-powder. This cost-effective, simple process is customized for a full-scale production of metallic nano-powders containing a first metal, and comprising the following of forming an alloy comprising said first metal and at least one soluble metal; applying first thermal treatment in the manner homogenized alloy is obtained; applying a cold work to the homogenized alloy so thin strips are obtained; applying a second thermal treatment to the alloy until a phase composition of predetermined characteristics is obtained; subjecting the said alloy to a leaching agent adapted to effectively leach out the least one soluble metal; filtering and washing the powder; washing the powder; drying the powder; coating the powder with chemicals; and then de-agglomerating the coated powder. The present invention also discloses a cost-effective and highly pure metallic powder produced by the method defined above.

Abstract: It is to propose a method of producing super-micro powders of pure metal-alloy in which cheap materials can be used and the production is efficient. In the production method of pure metal super-micro powder by heating a starting material containing a metal chloride and reducing the resulting vapor of the metal chloride with hydrogen gas, an elementary metal constituting the metal chloride is added to the starting material containing the metal chloride and a metal chloride having a large valence among metal chlorides having two or more valence is used as the metal chloride. Also, in the production method of alloy super-micro powder, a metal chloride is used as one to (number of all alloying components—1) alloying components in the starting material and an elemental metal is used as the other alloying component.

Abstract: To provide a dispersion which is excellent in oxidation resistance and dispersion stability, and which contains metal fine particles capable of forming a metal film excellent in conductivity; a process for producing it; and an article having a metal film excellent in conductivity. A process for producing a dispersion of metal fine particles, which comprises heating a dispersion of metal hydride fine particles, comprising a dispersion medium, metal hydride fine particles dispersed in the medium and having an average particle size of at most 50 nm, and an organic compound with from 4 to 1000 carbon atoms, having an amino group, in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of from 60 to 350° C.; a dispersion containing metal fine particles, obtained by such a process; and an article having a metal film formed by applying the dispersion containing metal fine particles on a substrate and firing it.

Abstract: In various aspects provided are methods for producing a nanoparticle within a cross-linked, collapsed polymeric material. In various embodiments, the methods comprise (a) providing a polymeric solution comprising a polymeric material; (b) collapsing at least a portion of the polymeric material about one or more precursor moieties; (c) cross-linking the polymeric material; (d) modifying at least a portion of said precursor moieties to form one or more nanoparticles and thereby forming a composite nanoparticle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing nanoparticles by using chemical curing. The method includes depositing a metal thin film on a substrate, applying an insulator precursor on a metal thin film, and adding a curing agent and a catalyst to the insulator precursor to perform the chemical curing. The method also includes mixing metal powder and an insulator precursor, applying a mixture on a substrate, and adding a curing agent and a catalyst to the mixture to perform the chemical curing. Since the chemical curing process is used in the method, it is possible to form nanoparticles by using a simple process at low cost while a high temperature process such as thermal curing is not used.

Abstract: A method for surface treatment of nickel nanoparticles using an organic solution, including dispersing nickel nanoparticles in a reductive organic solvent to obtain homogeneity; heating the dispersion of nickel nanoparticles; and separating the solution after treatment, washing and drying. Nickel nanoparticles treated by this method are preferably substantially free of impurities remaining on particle surfaces and thus have smooth surfaces and increased tap density, and the use thereof enables efficient production of a multi-layer ceramic capacitor.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing highly monodispersed Au nanoparticles having diameters in the range of 30-90 nm. Seed nanoparticles in a controlled concentration are combined with a precursor, also in a controlled concentration, a reducing and capping agent (e.g., sodium acrylate) in aqueous solution. Under controlled conditions of pH, temperature, and time, highly monodispersed nanoparticles having diameters in the range of 30-100 nm are produced. A relative size standard deviation of the size distribution of the resulting nanoparticles is as low as 2%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles, comprising: dissociating at least one metal precursor selected from the group consisting of silver, gold and palladium; reducing the dissociated metal precursor; and isolating the capped metal nanoparticles with an alkyl amine. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles which can be performed with a simpler equipment compared to the gas phase method, can provide metal nanoparticles in high yield by only using alkyl amine without using any surfactant in high concentration which further allows mass production, can provide metal nanoparticles having high dispersion stability and uniform size of 1-40 nm.

Abstract: A metal powder production apparatus includes a supply part for supplying molten metal and a nozzle having a first member and a second member by which an orifice for injecting water is defined. The first member has a gradually reducing inner diameter portion. A heat insulating layer for cutting off radiant heat emitted from the molten metal is formed on the gradually reducing inner diameter portion of the first member. the nozzle is configured to ensure that the gradually reducing inner diameter portion is prevented, under an action of the heat insulating layer, from being thermally deformed by the radiant heat of the molten metal but a region of the first member near the orifice is thermally deformed in such a direction as to reduce a size of the orifice by absorbing the radiant heat of the molten metal, whereby the orifice can be restrained from being enlarged by the pressure of the water passing through the orifice.

Abstract: In present invention, colloidal nanosilver has been prepared with high affect on bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The average size of nano particles are less than 10 nm. In the present invention colloidal nanosilver is subject to synthesis by a very simple method and in a short time. Nanosilver colloid prepared by use of different surfactant like LABS, Tween 20, Tween 60, Tween 80, SDS.

Abstract: The structural integrity of a metal powder body during heat treatment is enhanced by the in situ formation of metal nanoparticles. The nanoparticles bond to one another and to the metal powder particles of the powder body during heat treatment to provide strength to the powder body prior to the operation of the physical phenomena which transform the powder body into a coherent article. The precursor or precursors from which the nanoparticles are derived are preferably metal salts which are added to the powder or powder body in the form of a solution. The use of conventional binders is optional.

Abstract: A method for making nanoparticles includes the steps of dipping a metal element in a solution that contains metallic ions or ions with a metal, wherein the metal element has a lower electronegativity or redox potential than that of the metal in the ions, and rubbing the metal element to make nanoparticles. Another method for making nanoparticles includes the steps of dipping a metal element in a solution that contains metallic ions or ions with a metal, wherein the metal element has a lower electronegativity or redox potential than that of the metal in the ions, and applying sonic energy to at least one of the metal element and solution. A further method for making copper nanoparticles includes the step of adding ascorbic acid to a copper salt solution.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) includes a cathode electrode, a solid oxide electrolyte, and an anode electrode. The electrolyte includes yttria stabilized zirconia and scandia stabilized zirconia, such as scandia ceria stabilized zirconia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-purity tantalum flake powder, produced by a hydride-dehydride process including: (a) cold working tantalum metal into a thin sheet; (b) hydriding the thin sheet, forming a brittle tantalum body, e.g., a foil or ribbon with an aspect ratio of greater than 5 to 1; (c) adjusting the tantalum body to a desired particle size; and (d) removing hydrogen from the tantalum body by vacuum sintering, forming a tantalum flake powder. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, tantalum flake is produced by sizing ultra-thin tantalum foil via the hydride-dehydride process. Tantalum is an extremely malleable metal and can be cold worked into extremely thin sheets less than 1 micron thick. Once hydrided, this foil is brittle, and can be easily sized by suitable milling processes. The hydrogen is removed by vacuum sintering, resulting in an extremely thin Ta metal flake.

Abstract: Molybdenum metal powder has surface-area-to-mass-ratios in a range of between about 1.0 meters2/gram (m2/g) and about 3.0 m2/g, as determined by BET analysis, in combination with a particle size wherein at least 30% of the particles are larger than a size +100 standard Tyler mesh sieve. A method for producing molybdenum metal powder includes providing a supply of ammonium molybdate and a reducing gas; causing an exothermic reaction between the ammonium molybdate and the reducing gas at a first temperature to produce an intermediate reaction product and a supplemental reducing gas; causing an endothermic reaction between the intermediate reaction product and the reducing gas at a final temperature to produce the molybdenum metal powder.

Abstract: The invention concerns alloyed zinc powders for alkaline batteries and a method to manufacture such powders The powders are characterised by the presence of particles pierced with at least one hole. This appears to benefit the high drain discharge capacity while preserving the process ability of the powder, and the shelf life and the gassing behaviour of the batteries The invented powders can be manufactured using centrifugal atomisation in a cooled, oxygen-depleted atmosphere.

Abstract: Composite particles of a semiconductor particle such as a metal chalcogenide within a crosslinked, cored dendrimer are described. Additionally, methods of making the composite particles and compositions that contain the composite particles are described.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for forming thin-films from solid group IIIA-based particles. In one embodiment, a method is provided for creating solid alloy particles. The method may include providing a first material containing at least one alloy comprising of: a) a group IIIA element, b) at least one group IB, IIIA, and/or VIA element different from the group IIIA element of a), and c) a group IA-based material. The group IA-based material may be included in an amount sufficient so that no liquid phase of the alloy is present in a temperature range between room temperature and a deposition temperature higher than room temperature, wherein the group IIIA element is otherwise liquid in that temperature range.

Abstract: Dumbbell-shaped or flower-shaped nanoparticles and a process of forming the same, wherein the process comprises forming a mixture of a nanoparticle with a precursor in a first solvent, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a hydrophobic outer coating; heating the mixture; cooling the mixture to room temperature; modifying the hydrophobic outer coating into a hydrophilic outer coating; precipitating a solid product from the mixture, and dispersing the product in a second solvent. The nanoparticles comprise any of a semiconducting, magnetic, and noble metallic material, wherein the nanoparticles comprise a first portion comprising any of PbSe, PbS, CdSe, CdS, ZnS, Au, Ag, Pd, and Pt, and wherein the precursor comprises any of a cationic, neutral or particulate Au, Ag, Pd, Pt, or transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni) precursors of Fe(CO)5, Co(CO)8, Ni(CO)4 or their analogues. The first and second solvents comprise any of alkanes, arenes, ethers, nitrites, ketones, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A surface treating method for metallizing the surface of a polymer containing silicon by the use of a non-expensive material and a method for metallizing the surface of or forming a pattern of a metal layer such as a wiring on the surface of a substrate comprising an arbitrary material, or a method for producing fine particles of a specific transition metal are provided. The method for treating the surface of a silicon-containing polymer or a method for preparing fine transition metal particles involves contacting an organosilicon compound with a solid, a solution or a suspension of a specific transition metal salt, to reduce and precipitate the transition metal and thereby precipitate fine particles of the transition metal on the surface of said organosilicon compound or in the organosilicon compound.

Abstract: The production of ultrafine metal carbide powders from solid metal carbide and nitrogen-containing material is disclosed. The starting materials are fed together or separately to a plasma system where the solid metal carbide is melted and/or vaporized in the presence of nitrogen to form ultrafine metal carbide particles of high purity.

Abstract: A process for producing metallic ultra-fine powder, which can use a raw material which is spread over a wide range, and control freely the grain size of the metallic powder to be produced, at low cost and high safety. The process for producing the metallic ultra fine powder consists of using a burner and a furnace which can generate a high temperature reductive atmosphere, and an apparatus for separating gas which is generated in the furnace from powder to recover the powder. The burner has a function of blowing a powdery metallic compound as a raw material into a high temperature reductive flame. The raw material powder is efficiently heated in airflow of a high temperature reductive flame, thereby being reduced rapidly into metallic ultra-fine powder. At this time, the grain size of the metallic ultra-fine powder is controlled by adjusting the oxygen ratio (i.e.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing copper nanoparticles and copper nanoparticles thus manufactured, in particular, to a method for manufacturing copper nanoparticles, wherein the method includes producing mixture by mixing one or more copper salt selected from a group consisting of CuCl2, Cu(NO3)2, CuSO4, (CH3COO)2Cu and Cu(acac)2 (copper acetyloacetate) with fatty acid and dissociating; and reacting the mixture by heating and copper nanoparticle. According to the present invention, copper nanoparticles can be synthesized in a uniform size and a high concentration using general copper salt as a copper precursor material in non-aqueous system without designing precursor material. The present invention is not only environment-friendly, but also economical as highly expensive equipment is not demanded.

Abstract: To provide a process for producing CeO2 fine particles having high crystallinity, being excellent in uniformity of composition and particle size and having a small particle size, and a polishing slurry containing such fine particles. A process for producing CeO2 fine particles, which comprises a step of obtaining a melt containing, as represented by mol % based on oxides, from 5 to 50% of CeO2, from 10 to 50% of RO (wherein R is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) and from 30 to 75% of B2O3, a step of quenching the melt to obtain an amorphous material, a step of precipitating CeO2 crystals from the amorphous material, and a step of separating the CeO2 crystals from the obtained crystallized product, in this order. A polishing slurry containing from 0.1 to 20 mass % of such fine particles.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing high purity silver particles and colloids without requiring the addition of either surfactants or reducing agents thereto, or requiring only a minimal amount thereof. The synthesizing process comprises: (i) a silver oxalate synthesizing process; (ii) a process of dispersing silver oxalate into an appropriate carrier; and {iii) a process of heating said silver oxalate dispersed into said carrier at a temperature of at least 100° C. Silver particles and colloids of various form factor and size may be synthesized depending upon the reaction conditions, the carrier, and the type of surfactant.

Abstract: A method of producing a refractory metal powder that includes providing a metal powder containing magnesium tantalate or magnesium niobate; and heating the powder in an inert atmosphere in the presence of magnesium, calcium and/or aluminum to a temperature sufficient to remove magnesium tantalate or magnesium niobate from the powder and/or heating the powder under vacuum to a temperature sufficient to remove magnesium tantalate or magnesium niobate from the powder, the heating steps being performed in any order. The metal powder can be formed into pellets at an appropriate sintering temperature, which can be formed into electrolytic capacitors.

Abstract: A metal powder production apparatus includes a supply part for supplying molten metal and a nozzle provided below the supply part. The nozzle is provided with a flow path through which the molten metal supplied from the supply part can pass, the flow path having a gradually reducing inner diameter portion whose inner diameter is gradually reduced in a downward direction. The nozzle is further provided with an orifice opened at a bottom end of the flow path and adapted to inject fluid toward the flow path. The nozzle has a first member and a second member provided below the first member with a space left between the first member and the second member, wherein the orifice is defined by the first member and the second member. A clamp for restraining the orifice from being enlarged by the pressure of the fluid passing through the orifice is provided on the nozzle.

Abstract: Composite particles of a metal particle within a crosslinked, cored dendrimer are described. Additionally, methods of making the composite particles and compositions that contain the composite particles are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition of matter comprising associated predominantly silver nanoparticles, and a method of making the nanoparticles. It further relates to articles comprising the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A metallic nickel powder exhibits superior oxidation behavior and sintering behavior in a process for production of a multilayer ceramic capacitor, and as a result, can prevent delamination, a process for production of the metallic powder is provided. The metallic nickel powder is treated with a carbonic acid water solution. The metallic nickel powder has an average particle diameter of not more than 1.0 ?m, oxygen content in a range of from 0.3 to 2.0 wt %, and oxide layer having a thickness in a range of from 2 to 10 nm over the entire surface. In the process for production of the metallic nickel powder, the powder is treated with a carbonic acid water solution and is heated in an oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: Carbon-containing nickel-particle powder is provided. The carbon-containing nickel-particle powder has improved shrinkage property when fired due to the presence of carbon. Also, the carbon-containing nickel-particle powder has a very restricted degree of forming agglomerates.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing nano-powders and powders of nano-particle loose aggregate, which includes: (a) providing at least two reactant solutions A and B capable of rapidly reacting to form deposits; (b) supplying the at least two reactant solutions A and B at least at the reaction temperature into a mixing and reaction precipitator respectively, in which mixing reaction and precipitation are continuously carried out in sequence, the mixing and reaction precipitator being selected from at least one of a tubular ejection mixing reactor, a tubular static mixing reactor and an atomization mixing reactor; and (c) treating the deposit-containing slurry continuously discharged from the mixing reaction precipitator.

Abstract: A niobium or tantalum powder of the present invention comprises aggregates in which primary particles of niobium or tantalum are aggregated, and have a pore distribution having a peak in the range from 1 to 20 ?m as measured by mercury porosimetry. That is, the niobium or tantalum powder of the present invention comprises aggregates having large pores, which connect with vacancies between the primary particles and facilitate the permeation of an electrolyte over the entirety of the inside of each aggregate. Accordingly, a solid electrolytic capacitor comprising an anode electrode made of the niobium or tantalum powder has high capacity and also a low ESR.

Abstract: There are provided internally cross-linked, stable polymeric materials, in the form of substantially spherical particles, each particle consisting essentially of a single macromolecule. They have the unusual property of being soluble or dispersible in a liquid medium without significantly increasing the viscosity of the medium, rendering them potentially useful in imaging applications such as ink jet printers. They can be prepared by dissolving polymeric material in a solvent system to form a solution of the polymeric material at a concentration therein of less than the critical concentration for the polymer, causing the polymeric material to contract into an approximately spheroidal conformation in solution, cross-linking the polymeric material in solution in said spheroidal conformation so assumed, and recovering stable, cross-linked approximately spheroidal polymeric particles from the solution.

Abstract: A composite substance for forming a conductive paste, comprises a solvent and metal or metal compound particles. The solvent is compatible with an organic component included in the conductive paste, and the metal or metal compound particles are dried metal or metal compound particles having the second solvent adhering to the surface thereof. The conductive paste comprises an organic vehicle, a solvent, and the composite substance which is mixed with the organic vehicle and the solvent. The method for manufacturing the composite substance comprises the steps of washing metal or metal compound particles with water, adding a solvent that is compatible with an organic component included in the conductive paste, thereby replacing water components, and drying the metal or metal compound particles having the solvent adhering to the surface thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates composite core/shell nanoparticles and a two-step method for their preparation. The present invention further relates to biomolecule-core/shell nanoparticle conjugates and methods for their preparation. The invention also relates to methods of detection of biomolecules comprising the biomolecule-core/shell nanoparticle conjugates.

Abstract: Methods of forming tantalum powders and other valve metal powders are described. The method involves high impact milling a starting powder in a fluid medium and optionally a milling media using a high energy mill. The methods of the present invention have the ability to reduce DC leakage and/or increase capacitance capabilities of valve metal powders when formed into capacitor anodes. The methods of present invention further reduce the milling time necessary to form high surface area valve metal powders and leads to reducing contaminant levels in the valve metal powders. The process is particularly well-suited for forming metal flakes, such as tantalum or niobium flakes, of high purity.