[nanoPost] Cost-effective deposition and development of oxides and organic/inorganic hybrid nan

University UK 

Short-medium term applications

i. Nanofluids for improved heat transfer

(Capability and Expertise of group: Cost-effective production and functionalization of conductive nanoparticles, e.g. carbon, copper oxide)

ii. Emission controls - selective gas adsorption/conversion/separation

(Capability and Expertise of group: Cost-effective production and functionalization of nanoparticles, and nanoporous films)

iii. Cost effective and robust nanocoatings to prevent fouling and corrosion

(Capability and Expertise of group: Cost-effective deposition and development of oxides and organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructured coatings to prevent fouling and corrosion)

Medium to long-term

iv. Selective separation using controlled membranes

(Capability and Expertise of group: Cost-effective deposition of membranes with controlled nanostructure and composition)

v. Building molecules at the molecular level using nanotechnology:

(Capability and Expertise of the group: Cost-effective synthesis of nanomaterials (i.e. ceramics, polymers, organic/inorganic hybrid, composites) with well controlled structure, texture and composition at molecular level for household products industry, health care, domestic and consumer products.)

Major strengths and expertise include: research and development on innovative and cost-effective nanomaterials processing, surface coating and deposition technologies, nanoscale surface engineering; nanopowder production and functionalization; nanoscale analysis, testing and manipulation. This has resulted in major contributions to both the fundamental science of key nanomaterials, and to technological innovation in coating and materials processing.

4. (a) Track record and skills to be brought to Companies

The team is one of the world and European leaders in cutting-edge and cost-effective nanoprocessing and deposition technologies. The team has developed novel techniques for the design, synthesis, and processing of nanostructured materials based on the non-line-of-sight Electrostatic Spray Assisted Vapour Deposition (ESAVD) methods. These methods could provide deposition with well controlled composition, structure (e.g. dense epitaxial/equiaxed/columnar films, nanoscale porous films or 3D structures of controlled dimensions and tailored chemical functionality, electrical and mechanical properties) which present exciting science & engineering opportunities. The ESAVD based nanoprocessing technologies capable of producing a wide range of material forms (powders, fibres, thin films/coatings, bulk etc.) is a key area of strength at the centre. 

The deposition techniques are capable of addressing the increasing industrial demand in cost-effective fabrication of high performance nanomaterials for engineering applications, which could not be met by the conventional fabrication methods for large volume and large scale production. Many of the nanoprocessing and synthesis processes (e.g. ESAVD, EAAJD) developed by the group has been exploited and scaled-up by industry for the manufacture of ceramic, polymeric, hybrid and nanocomposite films for engineering applications. These include fuel cells, selective gas separation, reforming catalyst, sensors, electrical, biomedical, tribological and thermal barrier coatings for gas turbine blade applications.

Range of nanomaterials produced by ESAVD based processes:

·     Simple Oxides (TiO2, ZnO, Al2O3, SiO2);

·     Doped Oxides (Al-ZnO, Y2O3-ZrO2, Eu-Y2O3);

·     Multicomponent Oxides (PbTiO3, BaZrO3, La(Sr)MnO3, CaO-P2O5-SiO2);

·     Sulphides and selenides (CdS, ZnS, CdSe);

·     Metallics (Pt, Pd, Ni);

·     Polymeric Films (PVDF, Conducting Polymers.

4(b) Current research projects

The team brings a truly multi-disciplinary approach to many aspects of the processing of materials on the nano-scale with extensive track records of national and international funding, IP exploitation and collaborations with industry are already engaged in cutting edge developments that cut across the boundaries of science, engineering and technology. Currently the team co-ordinates and participates in the following projects related to nanoscience and technology for various applications, which include novel synthesis of nanostructured films, coatings and powders for tribological, thermal barrier coatings, fuel cells, catalysts, sensors, electronic, biomaterials using the ESAVD based processes. The current research projects where her team is involved runs to some 9.6M Euro from a combination of UK, EU and industrial sources.