Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Nano-particles have many important properties as for example increased electrochemical activity. Many techniques are available to produce such particles. The present research aims to explore a completely new technique using electrochemical discharges to produce them. Electrochemical discharges are known since long time as a undesirable phenomenon in electrochemical industry. Its only since the end of last century that the heat produced by them is used for micro-machining applications. In the present research their filed of application will be increased by using these discharges for nano-particle fabrication.  By using small electrodes, micro-discharges can be induced. The electrons transported locally will be used to reduce metal slats contained in a supporting electrolyte. The phenomenon of electrochemical discharges avoids the reduced metal to deposit on the working electrode. Instead of galvanization, nano-particles are produced in solution. One of the benefits of this novel technology is the possibility to obtain various chemical composition and even alloys for nano-particles. The research will focus on the production of interesting alloys of nano-particles to be used as catalysts in fuel-cells.