Benchtop Nanoparticle Deposition System : NL50
Key Features
- Deposit hydrocarbon free and non-agglomerated nanoparticles
- From sub-monolayer to high porosity 3-D nanocoating
- Surface plasma cleaning and functionalisation
- Generate pure metallic or compound nanoparticles such as oxides and nitrides.
- Wide choice of materials, including Ag, Au, Cu, Ni, Ir, and Pt
- Real time deposition control using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance(QCM)
- Repeatable process with typical cycle time of 30 minutes
- Room temperature deposition is compatible with delicate substrates such as graphene, membranes and plastics
Specifications
| Weight | Approx. 60Kg (113lbs) |
| Dimensions | (LXWXH) 70 x 50 x 60cm (27.6x 19.7 x 23.6 inches) |
Consumables
| Target size | 1inch (25.4mm) diameter, max 3mm thick |
| Max Sample Size | 50mm diameter |
| Materials | Conducting materials, including Ag, Au, Pt, Cu, Ni, Ti, Ir |
Control Software
The intuitive user interface is easy to use and does not require any previous vacuum experience. Preloaded deposition recipes enable users to start depositing nanoparticles straight away.
Highlights
- Full automation of the pump down and deposition sequence.
- Preloaded optimised deposition settings for common materials such as Au, Ag and Pt.
- Advanced users have the option to control deposition conditions to manipulate nanoparticle size and deposition rate according to their specific needs.
- Control nanoparticle loading using deposited weight or deposition time.
- Automated logging of all process and vacuum parameter.
NL50 'how-to' videos
1.06
1.08
2.18
1.14
1.01
Publications
S. Aktas, S. Durdu, T. W. Bird, K. Ozcan, G. Yigitturk, S. L. Aktug, M. Usta, T. Acet, and A. Pratt https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c09046
C. Liu, A. Liu, Z. Zhou and C. Liu. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICSJ55786.2022.10034730
A. M. Lister, Y. Wang, B. I. Armitage, W. Li, and M. R. Castell https://doi.org/10.1088/2515-7639/adb337
Frequently Asked Questions
The NL50 is a compact, benchtop vacuum system that uses the Terminated Gas Condensation technique to deposit ultra-pure, non-agglomerated nanoparticles onto surfaces up to 50mm in diameter. It is designed for shared R&D, or teaching labs, allowing multiple users to run different nanotechnology projects without cross-contamination.
The NL50 generates pure metallic or compound nanoparticles, including oxides and nitrides, from a wide range of conducting target materials such as silver, gold, copper, nickel, iridium, titanium, and platinum.
The NL50 has a typical cycle time of around 30 minutes per run, with fully automated pump-down and deposition sequencing and preloaded, optimised recipes for common materials such as gold, silver, and platinum.
Yes. Deposition takes place at room temperature, making the NL50 compatible with delicate substrates such as graphene, membranes, and plastics that cannot withstand elevated processing temperatures.
The NL50 uses a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) for real-time deposition monitoring, allowing nanoparticle loading to be controlled by either deposited mass or deposition time. Advanced users can also adjust deposition conditions to tune nanoparticle size and rate, with all process and vacuum parameters automatically logged.
No. The control software is designed for users without prior vacuum experience, with an intuitive interface and preloaded deposition recipes that allow users to start generating nanoparticles right away.
The NL50 supports research in catalysis, energy storage, photonics, and life sciences. For example, generating platinum nanoparticles for catalyst research, or gold and silver nanoparticles for SERS, antibacterial and biomedical coating studies.