Hydrogel Based Synthesis of Complex Ceramics

Executive Summary

Ceramics are being widely used in a growing number of applications, such as thermoelectric devices, batteries, and nuclear reactors.  However, the same desirable properties of ceramics (high melting point, high strength, chemically inert) make it highly difficult to produce ceramics with consistent material properties.  Our technology uses non-toxic hydrogels to produce ceramics with a consistent composition in a simple and economic process. 

Description of Technology

This invention describes a procedure for synthesizing complex ceramics. Previous methods utilized toxic and environmentally harmful materials for synthesis. This procedure is inexpensive, scalable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly.  This process can be done in standard atmospheric environments and is highly flexible to produce ceramics with complex chemical compositions. 

Key Benefits

• Solution based: mixing can occur without putting extra thermal energy into the system
• Non-toxic: previous synthesis methods utilized a highly toxic alcohol
• Sustainable: utilizes a bio-compatible seaweed derivative
• Not sensitive to environment: will not react with moisture in the air

Applications

• Synthesis of multi-component transition metal oxides
• Synthesis of complex ceramics
• Bulk scale synthesis of oxide materials

Patent Status:

US Patent 10,388,975

Licensing Rights Available

Licensing rights available.

Inventors: Jeff Sakamoto, Ezhiyl Rangasamy, Travis Thompson, and Dan Lynam.

Tech ID: TEC2013-0044