Research Centre Spain
The development of new nano-particles able not only to remove but also to recover heavy metals in high polluted waste water. In principle, we are considering the use of nanoparticles with enhanced magnetic properties, which will be the primary approach in order to reduce energy requirements of the system and by-product generation. Thus, the new method developed will have reduced costs in comparison with other purification systems.
Our organisation can produce these particles in a rather large scale, perform surface treatment if needed and produce at pilot plant scale complex chemicals and precursors. To this purpose the centre counts with the following technologies:
- Production of single and multicomponent nanoparticle oxides powders for more than 60 elements in the periodic table as well as production of nanoparticles from noble metal clusters (e.g. platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, silver...) with a production capability in the range of 1kg/h and selectable average particle size between 5-80 nm.
- Synthesis of highly specific organic compounds at semi-industrial scale, chemical treatment for functionalised surface and advanced chemistry for novel materials using advanced and versatile glass reactors with 100/200 litres capacity. The referred compounds would be used for chemical treatment of diverse nanoparticle in order to functionalise their surface.
- Surface treatment for nanoclays in order to improve their properties. The centre optimises mainly three parameters, namely exfoliation of the nanoclay, size reduction of the platelets and impregnation with tailor made coupling agents. For this type of treatment, The centre counts with both a purpose designed impregnation line as well as a highly sophisticated planetary mill using zirconium oxide balls.
