Formation of the multi-component Li–La–Zr–O nanoparticles by co-condensation during plasma flash evaporation

Abstract Plasma flash evaporation (PFE) has been attempted to produce nanoparticles of the multi-component Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 (LLZ) in the Li–La–Zr–O system where high temperature phase relationship has not yet clarified. Various phase particles are formed by PFE, including LLZ, at different collection regions, as a result of different cooling histories. Combining the numerical flow simulation and the reaction model, the primary co-condensation path to form LLZ has been identified through the optimization of the associated reaction constants with the parametric regression using nonlinear programming. The formation temperature of LLZ is also estimated to be 2200 K, and the preferable process condition to promote the LLZ single phase formation is proposed. It is also important to note that the LLZ nanoparticles with cubic structure are formed directly by PFE from raw powder mixtures.