Mini Review on Gas-Phase Synthesis for Energy Nanomaterials

Gas-phase routes have emerged as a promising method for synthesizing functional nanomaterials. A review of the state-of-the-art on aerosol reactors, such as flame aerosol reactors, plasma aerosol reactors, furnace aerosol reactors, and chemical vapor deposition used for gas-phase synthesis is discussed. This is followed by a discussion of applications of gas-phase synthesized nanomaterials in photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and energy storage. A description of modeling approaches to predict and elucidate the physical and chemical processes in aerosol reactors is discussed. Multiscale modeling methods from the atomic to molecular scale, to primary particles and clusters, to larger aggregates are elucidated. Aerosol dynamics simulation for predicting the size distribution of both single- and multicomponent particles is systematically examined. Further, high-flow differential mobility analyzers used for characterizing sub 2 nm particles are discussed, along with an in situ laser diagnostic approach for measuring physical and chemical properties of as-formed particles. Finally, remarks of future trends are directed for gas-phase synthesis routines in producing energy nanomaterials