Agglomerate formation distributions

Simulations of physical properties of realistic Pt/support nanoparticle systems can provide interaction parameters that are used by molecular-level simulations of self-organization in CL inks. Coarse-grained MD studies presented in the section Mesoscale Model of Self-Organization in Catalyst Layer Inks provide vital insights on structure formation. Information on agglomerate formation, pore space morphology, ionomer structure and distribution, and wettability of pores serves as input for parameterizations of structure-dependent physical properties, discussed in the section Effective Catalyst Layer Properties From Percolation Theory. CGMD studies can be applied to study the impact of modifications in chemical properties of materials and ink composition on physical properties and stability of CLs. 

Each stage of particle formation is controlled variously by the type of reactor, i.e. gas-liquid contacting apparatus. Gas-liquid mass transfer phenomena determine the level of solute supersaturation and its spatial distribution in the liquid phase the counterpart role in liquid-liquid reaction systems may be played by micromixing phenomena. The agglomeration and subsequent ageing processes are likely to be affected by the flow dynamics such as motion of the suspension of solids and the fluid shear stress distribution. Thus, the choice of reactor is of substantial importance for the tailoring of product quality as well as for production efficiency. 

SEM studies of as-deposited AlSb films revealed the formation of smooth films. No island growth was detected. In addition, the presence of both single and agglomerated crystallites with particle sizes ranging from 300 to 700 nm as is illustrated in Fig. 47 was confirmed. The size distribution was found to be almost independent of the deposition temperature. 

A major obstacle in making precise structures with metal colloids has been the control of aggregation and particle size distribution. The use of micelles has allotted some success in this regard with the formation of different metal colloid geometries [30]. It is known that the nanoparticles must be stabilized by organic molecules attached to their surface [31] and in general must be embedded in a solid matrix [32], This is done to prevent agglomeration and precipitation as... 

As discussed in Chapter 15, the size distribution of particles in an agglomeration process is essentially determined by a population balance that depends on the kinetics of the various processes taking place simultaneously, some of which result in particle growth and some in particle degradation. In a batch process, an equilibrium condition will eventually be established with the net rates of formation and destruction of particles of each size reaching an equilibrium condition. In a continuous process, there is the additional complication that the residence time distribution of particles of each size has an important influence. 

The above hypothesis, that the toughening efficiency is enhanced by the formation of local agglomerations, requires intensive theoretical calculations of stress distributions as well as the preparation and characterization of morphologies with a controlled level of dispersion and local agglomeration respectively. 

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