Low-temperature synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles during evaporation of femtoliter drops of aqueous solutions

We report on experimental results on the synthesis and growth of nanoparticles formed during evaporation of micrometer droplets of concentrated solutions in a low-pressure aerosol reactor. It is shown, in particular, that macroscopic compounds of nickel oxide in the form of nanoparticles are formed at room temperature from a supersaturated solution of nickel chloride. The features of the low-pressure electrostatic precipitation of femtoliter droplets on a substrate are investigated. Theoretical and experimental morphologies of nanoparticle ensembles obtained in this way are compared.