Synthesis of nanosized ceramic powders in a radiofrequency thermal plasma reactor

Recent results in the synthesis of nanosized ceramic powders in a radiofrequency (RF) thermal plasma reactor are presented in this paper. Two ceramic materials, namely silicon dioxide and lanthanum hexaboride were selected as models of investigations. In both cases, effect of synthesis conditions on the properties of nanoparticles was studied in details. The synthesis conditions included state of matter, composition, concentration, feed rate and spot of injection of precursors, plasma power and flow rate of carrier and atomization gases, respectively. The SiO2 and LaB6 nanopowders have been characterized for particle morphology, specific surface area, bulk and surface chemical composition and phase composition.Correlations were established among synthesis conditions and properties of nanopowders. It has been proved that RF thermal plasma reactors are effective equipments for synthesizing ceramic nanopowders of special properties.