Abstract: A process for gas-phase synthesis of titanium dioxide aerosol gels with controlled monomer size and crystalline phase using a diffusion flame aerosol reactor operated in a buoyancy-opposed configuration is disclosed. The process includes introducing a precursor stream into a diffusion flame aerosol reactor, introducing a fuel stream into the reactor, combusting the precursor stream and the fuel stream in a flame to form at least one nanoparticle, and operating the reactor in a down-fired buoyancy-opposed configuration to produce the aerosol gel.

Abstract: A process for gas-phase synthesis of titanium dioxide aerosol gels with controlled monomer size and crystalline phase using a diffusion flame aerosol reactor operated in a buoyancy-opposed configuration is disclosed. The process includes introducing a precursor stream into a diffusion flame aerosol reactor, introducing a fuel stream into the reactor, combusting the precursor stream and the fuel stream in a flame to form at least one nanoparticle, and operating the reactor in a down-fired buoyancy-opposed configuration to produce the aerosol gel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a method for generating a simulated aggregate based on one or more input parameters. A test aggregate is constructed and rotated. Stable orientations of the aggregate on a surface are determined. In specific examples, two-dimensional properties are calculated for stable orientations of the test aggregate and stored or displayed. In particular implementations of the method, the test aggregate is constructed through successive monomer addition.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for selecting particles, such as based on their morphology, is disclosed. In a particular example, the particles are charged and acquire different amounts of charge, or have different charge distributions, based on their morphology. The particles are then sorted based on their flow properties. In a specific example, the particles are sorted using a differential mobility analyzer, which sorts particles, at least in part, based on their electrical mobility. Given a population of particles with similar electrical mobilities, the disclosed process can be used to sort particles based on the net charge carried by the particle, and thus, given the relationship between charge and morphology, separate the particles based on their morphology.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and method for influencing the morphology of aggregates. The present disclosure also provides for aggregates formed using the disclosed system and method. According to one disclosed method, a plurality of monomers are provided and an electric field is applied proximate the monomers. The applied fields helps influence the shape of an aggregate formed from the monomers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a method for generating a simulated aggregate based on one or more input parameters. A test aggregate is constructed and rotated. Stable orientations of the aggregate on a surface are determined. In specific examples, two-dimensional properties are calculated for stable orientations of the test aggregate and stored or displayed. In particular implementations of the method, the test aggregate is constructed through successive monomer addition.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for selecting particles, such as based on their morphology, is disclosed. In a particular example, the particles are charged and acquire different amounts of charge, or have different charge distributions, based on their morphology. The particles are then sorted based on their flow properties. In a specific example, the particles are sorted using a differential mobility analyzer, which sorts particles, at least in part, based on their electrical mobility. Given a population of particles with similar electrical mobilities, the disclosed process can be used to sort particles based on the net charge carried by the particle, and thus, given the relationship between charge and morphology, separate the particles based on their morphology.