Nanoparticle Generator
Nanoparticle generation made easy
The VSP-G1 Nanoparticle Generator is a plug-and-play, tabletop solution for generating pure metal, metal oxide, or alloy nanoparticles in the size range of <1 – 20 nm. Designed for minimal training and maintenance, the user-friendly system provides scientists maximum versatility. Simply load the electrode material(s) and set the process parameters (e.g. flow rate, voltage, current) to start generating nanoparticles within minutes.
Generate Nanoparticles Within Minutes
Nanoparticle Generator Workflow
Effect of process control parameters on VSP-G1 output
One of the most valuable aspects of the VSP-G1 is the ability to tune the average particle size of the produced nanoparticles. This is achieved by varying the carrier flow rate, which affects the ablated material’s residence time within the reactor.
Lower flow rates result in a larger average particle size by providing more time for primary particles to agglomerate whereas faster flow rates produce smaller particles.
Depending on the type of sample being prepared (e.g. a TEM grid or a continuous layer), the total power can also be adjusted to vary the ablation rate. Higher voltage/current combinations result in both higher ablation rates and generally larger particles.
Plug & Play Electrode Materials
VSP electrodes enable the ultimate material versatility for nanoparticle research. The easy plug & play system means switching from one material to the next can be done in a matter of minutes. Source material is supplied in the form of electrodes. The electrodes work with a click system, enabling easy and quick switching of materials.
How to assemble the reactor chamber and change electrodes
Mix & Match Materials
VSParticle offers a broad range of materials and material combinations that are compatible with the VSP-G1 system. All solid (semi) conductive materials that can be processed into electrodes can be used for nanoparticle generation.
Mixing of two pure electrodes or using alloyed/sintered electrodes enables tuning of material properties via compositional control. Similarly, by running two VSP-G1’s in parallel or series, each with different electrode materials, results in the production of hierarchically structured materials (e.g., layered structures, core-shells, or heterostructures).
Materials Compatibility
In the table below, elements highlighted in green are those that have been found to be compatible with spark ablation. Other elements for which information is available are presented in black while elements that may be used in the spark ablation process (e.g. as carrier gas or modifier) are shown in green.
