University UK
Background
Nanoparticles have potential applications from electronics to consumer products to diagnostics and medicine because of their unique physical, chemical, photochemical and electronic properties. Processing, handling and storing nanoparticles is not however, trivial and for many applications it may be advantageous to incorporate them into larger nanostructured building blocks that make them easier to handle while retaining their unique properties. This may be achieved with nanoparticle coated microcrystals (NCC)
Technology
In my group at the University we have developed a novel and generic coprecipitation process for coating nanoparticles onto the surface of soluble microcrystals. Once coated onto microcrystals the nanoparticles can be stored conveniently without aggregation and are amenable to further processing steps including sintering, chemical modification and inclusion into polymers. Subject to the correct solubility characteristics many nanoparticle/crystal combinations are possible and potential applications include electronic and optical devices, coatings, sensors, catalysts, diagnostics and drug delivery.
Key Advantages
• Generic process that is efficient, cost effective and scalable
• Monodisperse micocrystals act as versatile vehicles for nanoparticles
• Applicable to metal, semiconductor and polymer nanoparticles
• Immobilised nanoparticles may be conveniently chemically or thermally modified or conjugated to other species
• Crystals easily re-dissolved to release nanoparticles
• Provides simple method to embed nanoparticles into or onto polymers
Material Applications
This technology has potential commercial applications in the production of a range of advanced materials including:
• Consumer care products and cosmetics
• Catalysts, inks, adhesives
• Diagnostics, biosensors
· Drug delivery of nanoparticles
