1. Nanostructures for Hydrogen Storage Applications
Nanoparticles
Furnace
T = 300 – 1200 oC
Nd YAG laser
532 nm
P = 100 – 760 atm
Ar Flow = 10 – 100 sccm
Pd & Pt Nanowires
Mg Nanowires
Nanowires
In a typical experiment an Nd-YAG laser is used to ablate a target containing the metal catalyst and building material inside a heated tube furnace. Wire growth is terminated when the cluster leaves the hot zone.
Synthesis of Mg wires was accomplished using Al as a catalyst. Altering the pressure generated wires with various diameters. We have also synthesized Pd and Pt wires using Ge as a catalyst. Analysis consisted of using XRD, SEM and TEM.
Utilizing LVCC we have made alloy nanoparticles of PdM and PtM (M = Co, Fe or Ni). Analysis consisted of using, SQUID, XRD, and TEM.