Highly stable, silica coated metal/alloy nanoclusters for use in bio-imaging and catalysis
- Detailed Technology Description
- Stable, metal/alloy nanoclusters encapsulated inporous silica and the process of synthesis thereof. The nanoclusters find use as catalysts,possess unique optical activity (fluoresce in the Near IR region) withpotential bio-imaging applications.
- *Abstract
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BACKGROUND
Ultra smallmetal clusters (<5 nm) exhibit enhanced optical, magnetic and electronicproperties as compared to larger nanoparticles. But suffer from drawbacks likeinstability, chemical reactivity and agglomeration, which restrict theirpotential use in various applications. Encapsulation of the nanoparticles in thickoxide layers could overcome some of these problems, but impairs the catalyticprocess. Hence porosity in the oxide shell is necessary.
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
Stable metal/alloynano clusters (as small as <2 nm) stabilized in water medium fluoresce inthe Near IR region – leading to potential bioimaging applications. Thesenanoclusters are used as precursors for “nanoreactors”, encapsulated in porous,mono disperse silica particles (allowing diffusion of reactant molecules,preventing agglomeration and deactivation while keeping the catalytic activityof the clusters intact). Nanoclusters of various metals (like gold, palladium,silver) and their alloys can be achieved by this process. Encapsulation makesthese “nanoreactors” highly sinter-resistant at high temperatures (at >700°C).
MARKET POTENTIAL
The globalnanocatalysts market is projected to reach $6.0 billion by 2015, with the refinery/chemicalindustry segment being the largest, and the environmental applications segmentgrowing fastest.
http://www.nanotech-now.com/news.cgi?story_id=32763
VALUE/ADVANTAGES
• Highly thermally stablenano particles (~3 nm >700 °C)
• Encapsulation in poroussilica enables it to function as excellent catalysts (allowing diffusion ofreactant molecules).
• Optical properties intactafter silica encapsulation
• Simple, single step andcost effective process
APPLICATIONS
• Bio-imaging applications
• High temperature catalysis
• Silica coated Pd offersresistance to sintering, making it preferred material in catalytic convertersin automotives
• Near IR florescence enablesbio-imaging
TECHNOLOGY STATUS
· Demonstrated at the lab scale
· On the lookout for potential partners for spin-off and licensing
· Patent application filed: WO2012/140675 A1
- Country/Region
- USA
