Numerical Simulation on Arc Discharge and Anode Sublimation for Nanoparticle Synthesis

Arc discharge is the cheapest and simplest method for synthesizing nanoparticles such as carbon nanotubes and nano-sized metal powders. The arc heats and sublimates the anode material for producing nanoparticles which appear as a web and precipitate on the electrode and chamber walls. In order to synthesize nanoparticles of the desired properties, the influence of various input parameters on the growth kinetics has to be fully understood. In this study, we presented the results of numerical simulation of free-burning arc taking into account the metal vapor produced from the molten steel anode. It was found that the predicted temperature of the arc column with two electrodes was in good agreement with the measured data, and the main advantage of this model over our previous one was to predict the temperature distribution in the two electrodes with the metallic vapor.