Germanium Nanoparticles, Synthesis In Spark Discharge

In this paper we present a simple method of Ge nanoparticles synthesis in spark discharge generator (SDG) in pure argon flow. The sizes of the obtained primary particles are in the range of 5-15 nm and particles themselves are combined in agglomerates 80-200 nm in size. Transmission electron microscopy images as well as energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis prove that the nanoparticles consist of crystalline germanium. Specific energy consumption of nanoparticle synthesis is 1,37 kW-h/g.