Synthesis of Iron Nanoparticles in Plasma*
Abstract
Previous results at Idaho have shown that Carbon-Iron nanoparticles can be synthesized by a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process. The nanoparticles can be then be utilized to fill the channels of nanochannel glass thus forming a photonic crystal. We have constructed a new deposition chamber dedicated to understanding the role of plasma in nanoparticle formation. The channel glass is mounted on a custom-designed, differentially pumped sample holder and 10 Torr of differential pressure is applied across the 5 mm long nanochannels to drive the nanoparticles through the chanels. Precursor ferrocene ((C5H5)2-Fe) is the iron and carbon source. We will optimize the synthesis of these nanoparticles with reference to parameters such as rf power, background pressure, and sample location. A study of plasma parameters using Langmiur probes will be undertaken to measure the plasma temperature and density. Parametric effects on the synthesis of the particles will be studied. A Plasma Oscillation Probe (POP)1 will be installed as an alternative method for plasma characterization. Optimal nanoparticle growth conditions will be studied. Special attention will be given to the role of the plasma sheath in nanoparticle formation. Different plasma sources (rf and DC) will be compared. 1. Shirakawa and H. Sugai, Jpn. J. Appl. Phys. 32(1993)5129. *Work supported by Office of Naval Research and Idaho NSF EPSCoR funding.
- Publication:
-
APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- November 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002APS..DPPFP1006M