Spectroscopic investigation of sintering of nanoparticles

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Aggregates of nanoparticles demonstrate a high potential for industrial applications, e.g. for colour pigments, catalysts, gas sensors, fuel cells, solar cells or thermoelectric components. This potential is significantly influenced by the morphologic parameters of the produced particles. Here, the degree of sintering gets more and more into the focus. For example the degree of sintering can increase the mechanical stability, while complete sintering can lead to the loss of desired properties. Thus, an effective monitoring and control of the sintering process seems to be important.So far, mainly collision experiments are used to characterize the degree of sintering of aggregates. However, these methods cannot be used for process monitoring because of their lack of online capability. Therefore in this project we would like to investigate the possibilities of measuring the spectrally resolved transmission to characterize the degree of sintering within aggregates. By studies based on light scattering simulations the relation between the structural properties of the aggregates and their spectral behaviour will be investigated. This is done to collect information about how the degree of sintering can be determined from the measurement of spectral transmittance. At present, studying the shift of the maximum in the spectrum is considered to be a promising approach. Additionally, an appropriate experimental setup will be developed together with a corresponding strategy to validate the concept. The experimental setup will be erected and the proposed method will be tested for its capabilities and sensitivity. In summary, in this project we would like to investigate the possibilities to characterize the degree of sintering within aggregates of nanoparticles by measuring the spectral transmission.