The use of nanoparticles in all areas is ever increasing. While the existence of nanoparticles is not new, using Supercritical Fluids (SCF) to create them is.

 

The use of Supercritical Fluids to make particles eliminates the shortcomings of traditional methods. There are number of SCF techniques to produce particles of controlled size and morphology for organic molecules in the sub-micron range:

 

 

RESS-Rapid Expansion of a Supercritical Solution

With RESS, material is dissolved in the supercritical fluid and then depressurised through a nozzle.

​

 

GAS- Gas Anti-Solvent

Here the compound is dissolved in an organic solvent, a supercritical fluid is introduced, expanding the volume, and lowering the solvents solvent strength causing the compound to precipitate under controlled conditions of particle formation.

​

 

PCA- Precipitation by Compressed Fluid Anti-Solvent

With PCA, the compound dissolved in an organic solvent is sprayed into a SCF, causing supersaturation and solute precipitation.

​

 

SEDS -Solution Enhanced Dispersion of Supercritical Fluids

Using SEDS, the compound is dissolved in an aqueous solution and the simultaneously sprayed through a coaxial nozzle with an organic solvent into the supercritical fluid. The water is dissolved into the solvent and SCF causing supersaturation and precipitation.

​

​

Applied Separations can provide you with the means to make both organic and inorganic particles. Nanoparticles of inorganic compounds can be produced using supercritical fluids and sub-critical fluids. Thermal decomposition and hydrothermal synthesis are just two examples of ways to achieve this.

​