Abstract
The University of Central Florida invention is a dynamic dialysis method for purifying multicomponent nanoparticles. Unlike other purification processes, the UCF invention offers a gentle approach to purifying and preserving the character of sensitive surface features needed for catalysis processes. For metal oxide nanomaterial compositions used in catalysis applications, the less stable surface features (such as surface hydroxyls, surface hydrates, vacancy structures, and so on) confer activity for the most desirable sets of reactions. Preserving the character of such features requires nanoparticle purification.
However, many purification methods apply substantial force to particle suspensions to isolate particle components. This may lead to losing or modifying valuable features (for example, through dehydration, reconstruction, or surface relaxation). Besides affecting surface reactivity, modifications of surface character can affect particle aggregation, hydrophilicity, and adhesion energy, among other properties essential to material performance in application.
Partnering Opportunity
The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.
Stage of Development
Prototype available.
Benefit
Provides high-efficacy purification suitable for large-scale manufacturingRequires only inexpensive equipment and resourcesPermits some degree of selective purification by choice of membrane pore sizeMarket Application
CatalysisBiomedicalEnvironmental
Brochure
