Effect of Process Parameters on Properties of Colloids in a Continuous-Flow Microreactor System

摘要

The effect of reactant concentration, flow rate, and surfactant type on the size and distribution of synthesized nanoparticles was studied. Two tubular microreactors made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and stainless steel (SS) were used for production of iron oxide nanoparticles from FeCl3 and NaBH4 as precursors by a chemical reduction route. The diameter of the microreactor and other process parameters were found to influence the size and size distribution of iron oxide nanoparticles. The axial dispersion in the PVC microreactor was less than in the SS microreactor due the large ratio of microreactor volume to flow rate. The formation of iron oxide was detected by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Synthesis of stable colloidal iron oxide nanoparticles with narrow size distribution in this continuous-flow microreactor system was confirmed.