Production of stable and uniformly dispersed nanoparticles

Abstract

This disclosure relates generally to production of stable and uniformly dispersed nanoparticles. Convention methods of nanoparticle production includes a two-step approach that utilizes additives or surface modifiers. The disclosed method avoids using any additives/surface modifiers owing to the environmental and economic implications. The method includes employing process conditions in a reaction to manipulate electrostatic double layer repulsive forces among nanoparticles to impart the dispersion stability of nanoparticles. The reaction includes pouring pH modifier dropwise into metal precursor solution with vigorous stirring forming metal hydroxide solution, while maintain ranges for concentration of metal precursor solution about 0.15M to 0.75 M, pH about 9 to 12, ionic conductivity about 50 to 200 mS/cm, stirring speed about 800 to 1200 rpm, aging time 6 to 24 hours. The metal hydroxide solution is heated with temperature maintained in range of 100 to 400° C. to obtain nanoparticle slurry comprising a stable suspension of the nanoparticles.