Researchers at a University in Brazil have been using the Orb Jacketed Reactor system to scale up their gold nanoparticle synthesis. Prof. Ricardo Aucélio from Pontificia Universidade Católica research looks at specialist nanoparticles for use in analytical tools. They purchased the Orb jacketed reactor system in an attempt to overcome the scaling issues of moving from a round bottom flask.
Prof. Ricardo Aucélio said: “The reactor was purchased with CNPq resources in order to produce gold nanoparticles in aqueous medium at room temperature. Prior to the acquisition of the reactor, these reactions used to be done in round bottom flasks on magnetic stirring plates. However, we had a recurrent problem regarding the repeatability of the nanomaterial quality, due to the difficulty of adjusting the frequency of agitation, especially when we promoted the modification of the volume (in mL) of the synthesis. Using small volumes such as 30 mL the results were adequate, however, when we needed to scale the synthesis to 180 mL (retaining the same proportions of reactants) the repeatability of the measured optical signal of the AuNPs became inadequate. On the other hand, when we started making these reactions in the Syrris reactor (Orb system) this problem no longer exists. The jacketed vessels present an appropriate geometry that assists in the adequate homogenization of the reaction medium, promoted by the mechanical agitator. In this way, as shown in the figure below, we are constantly using the reactor and the research group is fully satisfied with its performance.
The Orb system is very simple to operate, compact and robust” says Prof. Aucelio. “We are using it for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with different chemical binders. As the system is very easy to operate, my masters´ and doctoral students already have full autonomy to use the system.”
