Synthesis of nanoparticles using a pulsed electrical discharge in a liquid

We used a pulsed electrical discharge in a liquid to obtain Cu-, WC-, and ZnO-containing nanoparticles. The effect of the discharge current and pulse duration on the morphology and phase composition of the synthesized material was studied by spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction analysis. We discuss possible mechanisms for nanoparticle formation in a discharge submerged in a liquid.