Nanoscale particles possess several unique properties such as large surface areas, unusual adsorptive properties, surface defects and fast diffusivities. The intrinsic properties of the interior of the nanocrystals are transformed by quantum size effects. The ability to manipulate the energetics of nanocrystal surfaces at will would have many practical consequences particularly in the fields of catalysis and novel materials.

   Recently, we have developed a new method for generating nanoscale metal oxide, nitride or carbide particles down to 5 nm size by laser vaporization of metal targets followed by gas phase reactions and deposition onto cold surfaces in a diffusion cloud chamber. Particle size is readily controlled by the degree of supersaturation, which is controlled through the temperature gradient, pressure and laser power. The composition is controlled by the choice of the solid target and the gas mixture.

  We are also interested in the the synthesis of 1-D nanostrucutrues.  We have synthesized nanowires via laser vaporization in a furnace where choice of laser power, pressure, flow rate and composition of the target control the diameter and length of the resulting wires. We are currently exploring the synthesis of nanobelts via thermal evaporation.