Education
- Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder
Ultra-fine nickel powders are currently in demand for use in many new applications.Ìý These applications range from rechargeable batteries for hybrid cars, electronic components, and steel inclusions.Ìý Synthesis methods for producing high quality, fine nickel powder are currently being investigated and refined, as the physical characteristics of the synthesized powder often determines the acceptability of the nickel powder for specific applications.Ìý Our proposed production method for fine nickel powders is the aerosol flow reactor.Ìý The precursor material nickel oxalate is entrained in an inert gas flow and then carried through a graphite transport tube heated to an elevated temperature.ÌýÌý
Upon heating, the oxalate decomposes; evolving carbon dioxide gas and yielding powdered nickel metal.Ìý Feeding the oxalate precursor as a disperse dust cloud results in rapid reaction and fast residence times, limiting the amount of product growth and agglomeration.Ìý ÌýThe aerosol flow method is advantageous because it is a relatively simple and continuous process allowing for complete conversion within a few seconds.Ìý Typical residence times for this study range from 1.5 - 3.5 seconds.
High purity nickel metal powder with low oxygen content has been obtained.Ìý Surface areas of these synthesized powders range from 2 – 7 m2/g, comparable to current, high-quality commercially available nickel powder.Ìý Analysis of the microstructure of the product indicates that submicron nickel primary particles exist contained within an overall particle matrix.