Abstract: Metal nanoparticles are formed by heating or refluxing a mixture of a metal salt, such as a metal acetate, and a passivating solvent, such as a glycol ether, at a temperature above the melting point of the metal salt for an effective amount of time.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles containing two or more metals are formed by heating or refluxing a mixture of two or more metal salts, such as a metal acetates, and a passivating solvent, such as a glycol ether, at a temperature above the melting point of the metal salts for an effective amount of time.

Abstract: A method for providing an anhydrous route for the synthesis of amine capped coinage-metal (copper, silver, and gold) nanoparticles (NPs) using the coinage-metal mesityl (mesityl=C6H2(CH3)3-2,4,6) derivatives. In this method, a solution of (Cu(C6H2(CH3)3)5, (Ag(C6H2(CH3)3)4, or (Au(C6H2(CH3)3)5 is dissolved in a coordinating solvent, such as a primary, secondary, or tertiary amine; primary, secondary, or tertiary phosphine, or alkyl thiol, to produce a mesityl precursor solution. This solution is subsequently injected into an organic solvent that is heated to a temperature greater than approximately 100° C. After washing with an organic solvent, such as an alcohol (including methanol, ethanol, propanol, and higher molecular-weight alcohols), oxide free coinage NP are prepared that could be extracted with a solvent, such as an aromatic solvent (including, for example, toluene, benzene, and pyridine) or an alkane (including, for example, pentane, hexane, and heptane).

Abstract: A method for the production of a robust, chemically stable, crystalline, passivated nanoparticle and composition containing the same, that emit light with high efficiencies and size-tunable and excitation energy tunable color. The methods include the thermal degradation of a precursor molecule in the presence of a capping agent at high temperature and elevated pressure. A particular composition prepared by the methods is a passivated silicon nanoparticle composition displaying discrete optical transitions.

Abstract: Methods for making metal-based nanoparticles and inks are disclosed. In accordance with the method of the present invention, molecular metal precursors are reduced in the presence of a reaction medium to form the nanoparticles. The molecular metal precursors are preferably reduced by heating the metal precursor in the medium, by adding a reducing agent, such an aldehyde or a combination thereof. Metal precursor are preferably metal oxides, transition metal complexes or combination thereof. The method of the present invention is used to make high yield nanoparticles with a range of particle size distributions. Nanoparticle formed by the present invention include mixtures of nanoparticle, alloy nanoparticles, metal core shell nanoparticles or nanoparticle comprising a single metal species.

Abstract: A nanowire comprising only metal having an average length of 1 ?m or more which could not be produced in the prior art, and a method of manufacturing this wire. This invention provides a method of manufacturing a metal nanowire, which comprises the step of reducing a nanofiber comprising a metal complex peptide lipid formed from the two-headed peptide lipid represented by the general formula (I): in which Val is a valine residue, m is 1-3 and n is 6-18, and a metal ion, using 5-10 equivalents of a reducing agent relative to the two-headed peptide lipid. It further provides a metal nanowire having an average diameter of 10-20 nm and average length of 1 ?m or more. It is preferred that the metal is copper.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanocrystalline metal, comprising the steps of: providing a reaction mixture comprising a metal precursor and an alcohol solvent; continuously flowing the reaction mixture through a reactor; applying microwave or millimeter-wave energy to the reaction mixture; wherein the microwave or millimeter-wave energy is localized to the vicinity of the reaction mixture; and heating the reaction mixture with the microwave or millimeter-wave energy so that the alcohol solvent reduces the metal precursor to a metal; wherein the heating occurs in the reactor.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanocrystalline metal, comprising the steps of: providing a reaction mixture comprising a metal precursor and an alcohol solvent; continuously flowing the reaction mixture through a reactor; applying microwave or millimeter-wave energy to the reaction mixture; wherein the microwave or millimeter-wave energy is localized to the vicinity of the reaction mixture; and heating the reaction mixture with the microwave or millimeter-wave energy so that the alcohol solvent reduces the metal precursor to a metal; wherein the heating occurs in the reactor.

Abstract: A new low temperature method of reducing metallic salts, both inorganic and organic to metallic nanoparticles has been discovered. The reduction reaction is carried out in low boiling point monoalkylethers of ethylene glycol and mixtures of this solvent with alkane diols. Metallic nanoparticles are produced with size range of 1-100 nm.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing metallic nickel powders capable of decreasing the content of an alkaline metal in the metallic nickel powders, metallic nickel powders with the low content of an alkaline metal, a conductive paste including metallic nickel powders with the low content of an alkaline metal, and a multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) including a nickel inner electrode with the low content of an alkaline metal. The method for preparing the metallic nickel powders includes heating a mixture including an organic base, a nickel precursor compound, and a polyol. Wherein, the nickel precursor compound is converted to the metallic nickel powders through reduction by the organic base and the polyol. In the method, the organic base is used instead of the hydroxide of an alkaline metal such as NaOH and KOH. Therefore, the content of an alkaline metal such as sodium and potassium that can be incorporated as an impurity into the metallic nickel powders can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing core-shell type metallic nanoparticles involving (i) providing a dispersion of a first metal as nanoparticles in an appropriate organic solvent; (ii) providing a solution of a metallic precursor containing a second metal in an appropriate organic solvent, in which the second metal has a reduction potential higher than that of the first metal; and (iii) combining the dispersion from (i) and the solution from (ii) together to carry out the transmetalation reaction of the first and second metals, thereby forming core-shell type metallic nanoparticles.

Abstract: A particle producing apparatus includes a reaction container, an introduction portion for introducing a source gas and a reaction inhibitor generating gas into the reaction container, an inert gas introduction portion for introducing a carrier gas into the reaction container, a heater provided on the reaction container, and an exhaust portion. The growth of particles is controlled using a particle producing reaction and a reverse reaction.

Abstract: Nanostructured metallic powders and coatings are processed by suspending a metal precursor in a glycol solution containing the constituent metal salts and using a millimeter wave beam as the heating source. The mixture is then heated to reduce the metal precursor to a metal precipitate. The precipitated metal may then be isolated.

Abstract: A continuous method of manufacturing a liquid dispersion containing submicron metal or metal compound particles inside a liquid bath. A metal-containing fluid with carrier gas mixture is bubbled through the liquid bath and predetermined conditions in the bath cause the fluid to decompose to form the submicron sized metal or metal compound particles in the liquid.

Abstract: Metal nanoparticles containing two or more metals are formed by heating or refluxing a mixture of two or more metal salts, such as a metal acetates, and a passivating solvent, such as a glycol ether, at a temperature above the melting point of the metal salts for an effective amount of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making monodisperse nanocrystals comprising the steps of reducing a copper salt with a reducing agent, providing a passivating agent comprising a nitrogen and/or an oxygen donating moitey and isolating the copper nanocrystals. Moreover, the invention relates to methods for making a copper film comprising the steps of applying a solvent comprising copper nanocrystals onto a substrate and heating the substrate to form a film of continuous bulk copper from said nanocrystals. Finally, the invention also relates to methods for filling a feature on a substrate with copper comprising the steps of applying a solvent comprising copper nanocrystals onto the featured substrate and heating the substrate to fill the feature by forming continuous bulk copper in the feature.

Abstract: The production and selection of precursor mixtures used to produce fine powders and methods for making fine powders using the selected precursor. The precursor mixture comprises at least one metal containing precursor, the metal containing precursor has an average molecular weight of less than 2000 grams per unit mol of the metal, the metal containing precursor has a normal boiling point greater than 350K, and the viscosity of the precursor mixture is between 0.1 to 250 cP. The precursor mixture is processed under conditions that produce a fine powder from the precursor mixture. Fine powders produced are of size less than 100 microns, preferably less than 10 micron, more preferably less than 1 micron, and most preferably less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: Metal coated powders are produced by suspending a precursor metal salt and the powder to be coated in a glycol. This mixture is heated, and the metal salt is reduced and the metal precipitates as a coating onto the powder.

Abstract: Low nanosized combusted products are obtained by introducing at least one volatile metal compound into the flame of a non-premixed, multi-element diffusion flame burner which exhibits a one-dimensional temperature profile. The combustion process generates a stable environment favoring formation of very small particles of uniform composition. Adjusting burner stoichiometry enables production of zero valent metal powders and metal compounds of low or intermediate oxidation states as well as the usual more highly oxidized species.

Abstract: A nanowire comprising only metal having an average length of 1 &mgr;m or more which could not be produced in the prior art, and a method of manufacturing this wire.

Abstract: Copper metal powders, methods for producing copper metal powders and products incorporating the powders. The copper metal powders have a small particle size, narrow size distribution and a spherical morphology. The method includes forming the metal particles in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A method for making nanoparticles via metal salt reduction comprises, first, mixing metal salts in a solvent. Second, a reducing agent is added to the solvent at a temperature in the range of 100° C. to 350° C. Third, the nanoparticles dispersion is stabilized. Fourth, the nanoparticles are precipitated from the nanoparticle dispersion. Finally, the nanoparticles are re-dispersed into the solvent. The metal salt comprises a combination of FeCl2, FeCl3, Fe(OOCR)2, Fe(RCOCHCOR)3, CoCl2, Co(OOCR)2, Co(RCOCHCOR)2, and one of Pt(RCOCHCOR)2, PtCl2. The reducing agent comprises one of MBR3H, MH, M naphthalides, and polyalcohol; wherein R comprises one of H and an alkyl group, wherein M comprises one of Li, Na, and K. Long chain alkyl diols, and alkyl alcohol, can be used as a co-surfactant or a co-reducing agent to facilitate nanoparticle growth and separation.

Abstract: A continuous method of manufacturing a liquid dispersion containing submicron metal or metal compound particles inside a liquid bath. A metal-containing fluid with carrier gas mixture is bubbled through the liquid bath and predetermined conditions in the bath cause the fluid to decompose to form the submicron sized metal or metal compound particles in the liquid.

Abstract: The nickel powder is characterized in that the rate of the nickel particles whose particle size is not less than 1.2 time the average particle size as determined by the observation with an SEM is not more than 5% of the total number of nickel particles and that the rate of nickel particles whose particle size is not more than 0.8 time the average particle size is not more than 5% of the total number of nickel particles. The nickel powder is produced by bringing a slurry, containing nickel hydroxide, which is prepared by adding an aqueous solution of a nickel salt to an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide, into contact with a hydrazine reducing agent under the temperature conditions of not less than 55° C. to reduce the nickel hydroxide.

Abstract: A nickel powder dispersion prepared by adding an organic solvent to an aqueous nickel powder dispersion consisting of a ultrafine nickel powder having a mean particle diameter of no more than one micrometer and an aqueous solvent, in such a state that the organic solvent has replaced at least part of the aqueous solvent. The dispersion may further contain a surface active agent. The nickel powder dispersion possesses very good nickel powder dispersibility. When used in forming an electrically conductive paste, it shows excellent dispersibility in the paste dispersant. Multilayer ceramic capacitors fabricated using the paste are protected against shortcircuiting or delamination which can otherwise result from electrode surface irregularities.

Abstract: A method for making nanoparticles via metal salt reduction comprises, first, mixing metal salts in a solvent. Second, a reducing agent is added to the solvent at a temperature in the range of 100° C. to 350° C. Third, the nanoparticles dispersion is stabilized. Fourth, the nanoparticles are precipitated from the nanoparticle dispersion. Finally, the nanoparticles are re-dispersed into the solvent. The metal salt comprises a combination of FeCl2, FeCl3, Fe(OOCR)2, Fe(RCOCHCOR)3, CoCl2, Co(OOCR)2, Co(RCOCHCOR)2, and one of Pt(RCOCHCOR)2, PtCl2. The reducing agent comprises one of MBR3H, MH, M naphthalides, and polyalcohol; wherein R comprises one of H and an alkyl group, wherein M comprises one of Li, Na, and K. Long chain alkyl diols, and alkyl alcohol, can be used as a co-surfactant or a co-reducing agent to facilitate nanoparticle growth and separation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanocrystallite from a M-containing salt forms a nanocrystallite. The nanocrystallite can be a member of a population of nanocrystallites having a narrow size distribution and can include one or more semiconductor materials. Semiconducting nanocrystallites can photoluminesce and can have high emission quantum efficiencies.

Abstract: A process for preparing metal nanoparticles, comprising reacting suitable metal salts and anionic surfactant containing an anionic group of carboxylic group (COO−), sulfate group (SO42−) or sulfonate group (SO32−) as reducing agent in water under reflux at a temperature of 50-140° C., such that under the reducing power of said anionic surfactant itself, the metal salts can be effectively reduced into metal nanoparticles having a uniform particle size and that the reaction will be not too fast, no large microparticle will be formed, the yield will not be lowered, and the nanoparticle thus prepared can be dispersed stably in polar and non-polar solvent.

Abstract: The method of preparing the porous material incorporating ultrafine metal particles comprises the following steps: (1) preparing surface-protected ultrafine metal particles by reducing metal ions in the presence of molecules such as dodecanethiol molecules; (2) immersing a wet gel in a solution of the ultrafine metal particles, thus forming an ultrafine metal particle/wet gel composite in which the ultrafine metal particles are incorporated in the wet gel; and (3) drying the ultrafine metal particle/wet gel composite to form a porous body.

Abstract: The method of the invention is based on the unique electron-carrying function of a photocatalytic unit such as the photosynthesis system I (PSI) reaction center of the protein-chlorophyll complex isolated from chloroplasts. The method employs a photo-biomolecular metal deposition technique for precisely controlled nucleation and growth of metallic clusters/particles, e.g., platinum, palladium, and their alloys, etc., as well as for thin-film formation above the surface of a solid substrate. The photochemically mediated technique offers numerous advantages over traditional deposition methods including quantitative atom deposition control, high energy efficiency, and mild operating condition requirements.

Abstract: The invention provides platinum or platinum alloy powders for use in fuel cells and for chemical reactions. The powders are characterized by a high surface area and, at the same time, low chlorine contents. The powders are prepared by forming a melt which contains, as starting substances, a low melting mixture of alkali metal nitrates, a chlorine-free platinum compound and optionally chlorine-free compounds of alloying elements, the melt is then heated to a reaction temperature at which the platinum compound and the compounds of alloying elements thermally decompose to give oxides, the melt is then cooled and dissolved in water and the oxides or mixed oxides formed are converted into platinum or platinum alloy powders by subsequent reduction. Binary or ternary eutectic mixtures from the LiNO3—KNO3—NaNO3 system are suitable as a low melting mixture of nitrates of the alkali metals. Hexahydroxoplatinic-(IV)-acid is preferably used as a chlorine-free platinum compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biological process for the preparation of nano-sized colloidal metal particles by treating wet fungus or fungus extract with a metal ion solution of the desired metal and separating the biomass to obtain the nano-sized colloidal metal particles.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing nanosized metal compounds. The preferred product is nanosized copper, nanosized copper (I) oxide, and nanosized copper (II) oxide. The process includes heating a copper metal precursor in a hydrocarbon preferably selected from alkylated benzenes, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, paraffins and/or naphthenic hydrocarbons. The heating is desirably at a temperature and time effective to convert, for example, the copper metal precursor to nanosized copper (II) oxide, nanosized copper (I) oxide and/or nanosized copper metal. Separation of the hydrocarbon is then performed. Recovering the solid product and recycle/reuse of the recovered hydrocarbon in subsequent preparations of nanosized metal and metal oxides may be performed. The nanosized metal oxides of the invention may additionally be converted to nanosized metal salts by reaction with the appropriate acids while dispersed in the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for preparing a highly crystallized metal powder, involving the steps of: supplying at least one heat-decomposable metal compound powder into a reaction vessel using a carrier gas; and forming a metal powder by heating the metal compound powder in a state in which the metal compound powder is dispersed in a gas phase at a concentration of no more than 10 g/liter, at a temperature that is over the decomposition temperature of the metal compound powder and at least (Tm −200)° C. when the melting point of the metal contained in the metal compound powder is Tm° C. The method provides a high-purity, high-density, highly dispersible, fine, highly crystallized metal powder consisting of spherical particles of uniform size, which is suitable for use in thick film pastes, and particularly conductor pastes and the like used in the preparation of multilayer ceramic electronic parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing nanoscale metal-based powders from a metal salt and an amphiphilic copolymer containing ethylene oxide. The copolymer and metal salt are mixed to form a metal salt/copolymer paste which is then calcined at a temperature sufficient to remove water and organics and to form a metal oxide.

Abstract: A continuous method for generating substantially submicron sized metal particles in a liquid dispersion of known viscosity. Metal carbonyl gas and an inert carrier gas, with an optional dilutant gas, are introduced into a heated liquid bath wherein the metal carbonyl decomposes into submicron sized pure metal particles. The particles are suspended in the liquid. The liquid is processed to form slurries and pastes.

Abstract: A boron addition for making potassium-doped tungsten powder is described herein. Boron is added to a potassium-doped starting material, preferably in the form of boric acid, and then the mixture is reduced to form a potassium-doped tungsten powder. The boron addition results in increased potassium incorporation in the potassium-doped tungsten powder and also effects an increase in potassium retention in sintered compacts of the potassium-doped tungsten powder.

Abstract: A process for producing purified cobalt from a mixture comprising metallic species of cobalt and metallic species of at least one of the group consisting of nickel and iron, comprising producing a metal carbonyl mixture of cobalt carbonyl and at least one of nickel carbonyl and iron carbonyl from the metallic species mixture; separating the nickel carbonyl and/or iron carbonyl from the cobalt carbonyl; treating the cobalt carbonyl with an effective amount of a complexing gaseous mixture of nitric oxide/carbon monoxide to produce cobalt nitrosyl tricarbonyl; and decomposing the purified cobalt nitrosyl carbonyl to provide purified cobalt and regenerated complexing gaseous mixture for recycle. The process provides cobalt of improved quality in an optionally, continuous and closed-loop manner. Preferred processes include either aqueous and/or gaseous process steps.

Abstract: The invention concerns ultrafine polymetallic particles obtained from reducing a mixture of salts dissolved in an organic solvent by an alkali or alkaline earth metal hydride, at a temperature not higher than the solvent reflux temperature, the mixture of dissolved salts comprising at least a salt of a metal having a standard oxidant potential E°Mn+/M at 25° C. higher than −1.18 V. The invention is applicable to the hydrogenation of olefins and the coupling of halogenated aromatic derivatives.

Abstract: A process for producing purified cobalt from a mixture comprising metallic species of cobalt and metallic species of at least one of the group consisting of nickel and iron, comprising producing a metal carbonyl mixture of cobalt carbonyl and at least one of nickel carbonyl and iron carbonyl from the metallic species mixture; separating the nickel carbonyl and/or iron carbonyl from the cobalt carbonyl; treating the cobalt carbonyl with an effective amount of a complexing gaseous mixture of nitric oxide/carbon monoxide to produce cobalt nitrosyl tricarbonyl; and decomposing the purified cobalt nitrosyl carbonyl to provide purified cobalt and regenerated complexing gaseous mixture for recycle. The process provides cobalt of improved quality in an optionally, Continuous and closed-loop manner. Preferred processes include either aqueous and/or gaseous process steps.

Abstract: A continuous method for generating substantially submicron sized metal particles in a liquid dispersion of known viscosity. Metal carbonyl gas and an inert carrier gas, with an optional dilutant gas, are introduced into a heated liquid bath wherein the metal carbonyl decomposes into submicron sized pure metal particles. The particles are suspended in the liquid. The liquid is processed to form slurries and pastes.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage bed system which includes a pressure container, a hydrogen storage alloy disposed within the pressure container, and an integrated thermal management system integrally disposed within the pressure container. The integrated thermal management system includes heat generation means, cooling means adapted to use an aerosol coolant, and heat distribution means.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage bed system which includes a pressure container, a hydrogen storage alloy disposed within the pressure container, and an integrated thermal management system integrally disposed within the pressure container. The integrated thermal management system includes heat generation means, cooling means, and heat distribution means.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal colloid comprising a plurality of particles, each particle comprising a core of a metal, is described. The method comprises the steps of providing an organometallic precursor comprising the metal, combining the organometallic precursor and a solvent, which comprises water molecules, heating the combination of organometallic precursor and solvent so that the organometallic precursor decomposes to form a solution including the metal colloid and by-products, and removing the by-products to provide the metal colloid.

Abstract: Primarily dedicated to the production of ultrafine particles with good dispersion stability on a industrial scale, the invention provides ultrafine particles characterized in that each of its constituent particles comprises a shell substantially composed of a metal organic compound and a core substantially composed of the metal derived from the metal organic compound, the ultrafine particles having a mean diameter of 1-100 nm, and a process for producing the ultrafine particles.

Abstract: One or more metal salts of at least one iron group metal containing organic groups are dissolved in at least one polar solvent and complex bound with at least one complex former comprising functional groups in the form of OH or NR3, (R═H or alkyl). In addition, at least one insoluble, reducible salt of at least one iron group metal is suspended in the solution. Hard constituent powder and, optionally, a soluble carbon source are added to the solution. The solvent is evaporated and the powder mass is heat treated in inert and/or reducing atmosphere. As a result, a powder mixture is obtained which, after addition of a pressing agent, can be compacted and sintered according to standard practice to form a body containing hard constituents in a binder phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite metallic ultrafine particles which have excellent dispersion stability and can be produced on an industrial scale, and a process for producing the same, and a method and an apparatus for forming an interconnection with use of the same. A surface of a core metal produced from a metallic salt, a metallic oxide, or a metallic hydroxide and having a particle diameter of 1 to 100 nm is covered with an organic compound including a functional group having chemisorption capability onto the surface of the core metal.

Abstract: A method for forming metal particles and fibers, including: mixing at least one of nanotubes and nanofibers with at least one metal salt to form a mixture, and decomposing and reducing the mixture. The method of syntheses metal nanoparticles and fibers, such as Cu, Pd, Pt, Ag and Au nanoparticles and Cu sub-micron fibers, by using carbon nanotubes or carbon nanofibers as templates.

Abstract: A superfine material made by incorporation of an inorganic polymer precursor of a grain growth inhibitor into intermediates useful for the production of superfine materials. The precursor/nanostructured material composite is optionally heat treated at a temperature below the grain growth temperature of the superfine material in order to more effectively disperse the precursor. The composites are then heat treated at a temperature effective to decompose the precursor and to form superfine materials having grain growth inhibitors uniformly distributed at the grain boundaries. Synthesis of the inorganic polymer solution comprises forming an inorganic polymer from a solution of metal salts, filtering the polymer, and drying. Alloying additives as well as grain growth inhibitors may be incorporated into the superfine materials.

Abstract: A method and structure for forming magnetic alloy nanoparticles includes forming a metal salt solution with a reducing agent and stabilizing ligands, introducing an organometallic compound into the metal salt solution to form a mixture, heating the mixture to a temperature between 260° and 300° C., and adding a flocculent to cause the magnetic alloy nanoparticles to precipitate out of the mixture without permanent agglomeration. The deposition of the alkane dispersion of FePt alloy particles, followed by the annealing results in the formation of a shiny FePt nanocrystalline thin film with coercivity ranging from 500 Oe to 6500 Oe.