Reference #: 01232
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for using a new magnetic nanoparticle fabrication technology.
Background:
Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are a class of nanoparticle that possess unique chemical, structural, electrical, and magnetic properties. They consist of three functional parts: a magnetic core, a surface coating, and a functionalized outer coating. The super-paramagnetic core is the most consequential part of this nanoparticle since it allows for the magnetic manipulation of the particle in the presence of an external magnetic field. Applications range from media to medical imaging. MNPs can be fabricated by either top-down (mechanical attrition) or bottom-up (chemical synthesis) approaches. Some common chemical synthesis methods include: co-precipitation, thermal decomposition and/or reduction, micelle synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis, and laser pyrolysis techniques. The subject invention is an attempt at developing a chemical synthesis method that provides better separation and higher material yields.
Invention Description:
The subject invention is a new fabrication method. In this method, a nitroxide-containing monomer is used in combination with other monomers that can then be used to make high-internal phase emulsion foam upon curing. The nitroxide group is subsequently used to control the radical polymerization of many monomers, which are grafted from the surface of the HIPE foam. Such foams are useful in performing separations of metal and chemical species in chemical process streams, clean-up operations, etc.
Potential Applications:
Chemical separations, chemical clean up, etc.
Advantages and Benefits:
Better separation and release of material compared to current state-of-the-art technologies.