Sheet-Type Flow Process Using Magnetic-Field-Induced Heating with Single-Mode Microwaves Applied to a Continuous Metal Nanoparticle Synthesis

Abstract

We developed a sheet-type microwave (MW) flow process that uses a capillary phenomenon to retain a reaction solution between fabric fibers without using a conventional reaction tube. This process is applicable to various reactions that use highly viscous raw material solutions or raw material solutions that generate gas, which are difficult to handle in a conventional flow synthesis. Using this process, single and multiple sheets were transferred continuously similarly to a belt conveyor. Precise temperature control was achieved using MW heating with solid-state devices. For syntheses containing many salts or metal precursors, TM110 single-mode MW with the magnetic field focused on the cylindrical center axis was suitable. Using this chemical reaction model with a highly viscous solution or involving gas evolution during reaction, continuous syntheses of silver, nickel, and copper nanoparticles were achieved.