Preparation of controlled nanosized Ag particles by the DC arc plasma evaporation

In order to prepare high-performance silver conductive paste, nanosized Ag particles were prepared by DC arc plasma reactor. The significant factors for the production rate and the particle size were researched by orthogonal experiments (OA₁₆ matrix) and range analysis. The composition, structure and morphology of particles were investigated by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), respectively. Silver particles were prepared by DC arc plasma, with a purity of up to 99.92 wt%, smooth surface and spherical form. The results show that the larger electric current can enhance the production rate and the average diameter. Both the particle size and the production rate increase as the P_H2/P_Ar increases. With the increase of pressure, the production rate decreases and the particle size rises first and then decreases.