Flame synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline titania powders

Flame reactors are considered to be one of the most promising and versatile synthesis routes for the largescale production of submicron and nanosized particles. An annular co-flow type oxy-gas diffusion burner was designed for its application in a modular flame reactor for the synthesis of nanocrystalline oxide ceramics. The burner consisted of multiple ports for the individually regulated flow of a precursor vapour, inert gas, fuel gas and oxidizer. The nanopowders formed during flame synthesis in the reaction chamber were collected by a suitable set of filters. In the present study, TTIP was used as the precursor for the synthesis of nanocrystalline TiO2 and helium was used to carry the precursor vapour to the burner head. Methane and oxygen were used as fuel and oxidizer respectively. The operating conditions were varied by systematically changing the flow rates of the gases involved. The synthesized powders were characterized using standard techniques such as XRD, SEM, TEM, BET etc., in order to determine the crystallite size, phase content, morphology, particle size and degree of agglomeration. The influences of gas flow rates on the powder characteristics are discussed.