Continuous methods for treating liquids and manufacturing certain constituents (e.g., nanoparticles) in liquids, apparatuses and nanoparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s) resulting therefrom
Inventors
Pierce, David K. • Mortenson, Mark G. • Bryce, David A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8617360-B2
Publication Date
2013-12-31
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods and devices for the continuous manufacture of nanop∈rticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s) are disclosed. The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e. g., created) in a liquid (e.g., water) by utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. The continuous process causes at least one liquid to flow into, through and out of at least one trough member, such liquid being processed, conditioned and/or effected in said trough member(s).
Core Innovation
A substantially continuous process modifies at least one liquid by flowing the liquid through at least one trough member having an upper surface and a flow direction. The process creates at least one plasma between at least one plasma-forming electrode and at least a portion of the upper surface of the flowing liquid, with Taylor cone formation described as enabling effective liquid-electrode electrical connection for the plasma region.
After plasma creation and contact with the liquid upper surface, at least one set of metallic-based electrodes is provided in contact with the flowing liquid and located downstream in the flow direction. At least one electrochemical reaction is conducted at the metallic-based electrodes to produce at least some metallic-based constituents within the liquid, including metallic-based nanoparticles and metallic constituents in water.
The process is described as enabling controllable plasma and downstream electrochemical processing by adjusting electrode distance, electrode geometry/materials, gas or atmosphere associated with humidity or water vapor, power type and polarity (AC/DC/RF), and electrode positioning. The apparatus may include multiple electrode sets, atmosphere control covers, and barrier or membrane assemblies to segregate products between electrode regions.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover four substantively similar inventive process frameworks, each using a substantially continuous flow through a trough, plasma formation at a liquid upper surface region, and downstream electrochemical reactions at metallic-based electrodes to produce metallic-based constituents in the liquid. The main inventive features are plasma creation between a plasma-forming electrode and a liquid surface, subsequent downstream contact with metallic-based electrodes, and water variants that recite metallic-based nanoparticles.
Plasma between plasma-forming electrode and upper surface followed by downstream electrochemical reaction at metallic-based electrodes
A substantially continuous process for modifying at least one liquid by flowing the liquid through at least one trough member, creating at least one plasma between at least one plasma-forming electrode and at least a portion of the upper surface, providing at least one set of metallic-based electrodes located downstream in the flow direction and contacting the liquid, and conducting at least one electrochemical reaction at the metallic-based electrodes to produce metallic-based constituents within the liquid.
Spaced plasma-forming electrode and downstream contacting metallic-based electrodes reacting with liquid
A substantially continuous process for modifying at least one liquid by creating a flow direction through at least one trough member, providing at least one plasma-forming electrode spaced apart from a surface of the liquid, forming at least one plasma between the plasma-forming electrode and the surface, providing at least one set of metallic-based electrodes contacting the liquid after the liquid has flowed past the plasma-forming electrode, and causing the metallic-based electrodes to react with the liquid to produce metallic-based constituents within the liquid.
Water with plasma-contact followed by electrochemical reaction at metallic-based electrodes to form metallic constituents in water
A substantially continuous process for creating at least one metallic constituent in water by flowing water through at least one trough member, contacting at least one plasma with at least a portion of the upper surface of the water, and then contacting at least one set of metallic-based electrodes with the water after the water has contacted the plasma to cause at least one electrochemical reaction within the water, thereby forming the metallic constituent in the water.
Plasma between spaced plasma-forming electrode and water surface followed by electrochemical reaction to produce metallic-based nanoparticles
A substantially continuous process for creating at least one metallic constituent in water by creating a flow direction of water in at least one trough member, providing at least one plasma-forming electrode spaced apart from the upper surface of the water, forming at least one plasma between the plasma-forming electrode and the upper surface of the water, and contacting at least one set of metallic-based electrodes with the water to cause at least one electrochemical reaction to occur to produce at least some metallic-based nanoparticles within the water.
Across the independent claims, the coverage centers on generating plasma between a plasma-forming electrode and an upper surface region of a continuously flowing liquid, then contacting the liquid downstream with metallic-based electrodes to drive electrochemical reactions that produce metallic-based constituents in the liquid, including metallic-based nanoparticles. Claim distinctions include electrode spacing relative to the liquid surface and the ordering of plasma contact relative to downstream metallic-electrode contact.
Stated Advantages
Controllable plasma and downstream electrochemical processing through adjustment of electrode distance, electrode geometry/materials, gas or atmosphere associated with humidity or water vapor, power type and polarity (AC/DC/RF), and electrode positioning.
Multiple electrode sets, atmosphere control covers, and barrier or membrane assemblies may be used to segregate products between electrode regions.
Taylor cone formation is described as enabling effective liquid-electrode electrical connection for the plasma region.
Documented Applications
Modifying at least one liquid through a substantially continuous plasma and electrochemical process.
Creating at least one metallic constituent in water.
Producing metallic-based nanoparticles within the liquid or water.
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