Patent ID: 8449673

Claim:
A method for producing nanocrystals comprising: providing a first flow solution comprising noble metal ions and a surfactant solution into a seed generating unit; providing a second flow solution comprising a reducing agent into the seed generating unit; passing the second flow solution through a first membrane of the seed generating unit; causing the contact of the first flow solution with the second flow solution, such that the contact of the first flow solution with the second flow solution generates nanoparticle seeds; and causing the movement of the nanoparticle seeds to a growth unit containing a growth solution through a second membrane of the seed generating unit, wherein the contact between the nanoparticle seeds and the growth solution resulting from the motion of the seed generating unit inside the growth unit produces nanocrystals, wherein said nanocrystals are produced using a nanocrystal forming apparatus comprising: the seed generating unit with an anterior end and a posterior end; a first inlet located at the anterior end of the seed generating unit for receiving the first solution; a second inlet formed of a side wall of the seed generating unit near the anterior end for receiving the second solution; an outlet formed of a side wall in the lower half of the seed generating unit; the first membrane substantially covering the first inlet; and the second membrane covering the outlet; the growth solution unit with a distal end and a proximal end; and a means for causing motion of the seed generating unit operably connected such that when the means is operated the seed generating unit is caused to move through the growth solution unit.