Mixed oxides, synthesis using laser

This chapter deals with the synthesis of nanoscale particles from supersaturated vapors generated by laser vaporization under controlled condensation conditions. The synthesis of nanoscale particles has received considerable attention in view of the potential for new materials with novel properties and the design of catalysts with specific dimensions and compositions (1-10). The reduced size and dimensionality of these atomically engineered materials are responsible for their unique electronic, magnetic, chemical and mechanical properties. The characterization of these properties can ultimately lead to identifying many potential uses, particularly in the field of catalysis. For example, particles of metal oxides and mixed oxides such as Si02/Ti02 exhibit unusual acidic properties and can be used as acidic catalysts (11). 

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