Synthesis of SUMMARY TECHNICAL. size, les can be. Consequently, nanoparticles. the. case. experience, our

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Harold Freeman
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1 Technology offer: Synthesis of nanoparticles

2 Technology offer: Synthesis of nanoparticles SUMMARY The Applied Electrochemical andd Electrocatalysis Group G of the Institue of Electrochemistry and Department of Physical Chemistry of the University of Alicante has adquiered an important experience and know-how k in synthesizing different types of nanoparticles. Thee synthesiss of the nanoparticless can be carried out using different methods, thus allowing to produce nanoparticless with controlled size, shape and atomic composition n. These nanoparticles have a wide number of applications ncluding, fuel cells,, heterogeneous catalysts, electrocatalysts, pigments, nanomedicine, etc. In addition, the different nanoparticln les can be also dispersed in different supports (carbón based materials, titania, ceria, etc). Consequently, on-demandd nanomaterials can be produced for the costumers. TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION The synthesis and application of nanoparticles is one of the most nteresting fields of research from a basic and applied point of views. After several years of experience, our group have adquiered a deep know-how in different process of synthesis of nanoparticles: 1. Synthesis of nanoparticles in microemulsion: The use of water-in-oil microemulsions for the synthesis of nanoparticles is one of the most promising methods. The application of this technology allows the preparation of the nanoparticles. The microemulsion technology has been applied for the synthesis of pure metal nanoparticles (Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh, R Rh, Au, Ag, Cu) as well as for the preparation of the bimetallic nanoparticles (Pt/Pd, Pt/Ru, Pt/Ir, Pt/Rh). The method can also be used for thee synthesiss of multimetallic nanoparticles. In the case of bi and multimetallic nanoparticles the atomic composition can be modified according with the needs. Moreover, this methodology can bee used for the preparation of different types of nanoparticles such as SiO2, CdS, ZnS, ZrO2, CaCO3, BaCO3, CdSe, TiO2, etc. The particle size of the nanoparticle ranges between 1-50 nm but is strongly dependent of the surfactant employed. The main advantage of thiss method is the different compositions and sizes thatt can be obtained. 2

nanoparticles. This decontamination will allow the application of thee nanoparticles with their complete catalytic or electrocatalytic properties.

3 The catalytic and electrocatalytic properties of the nanoparticles depend on the state and cleanness of their surface. For that reason is very important to develop some decontamination procedures able to clean the surface of the nanoparticles without modifying the initial structuree and surface composition of thee nanoparticles. This decontamination will allow the application of thee nanoparticles with their complete catalytic or electrocatalytic properties. Inn the Chemistry-Physics Department some decontaminationn protocols able to obtain o these requirements have been developed. 2. Synthesis of nanoparticles in colloidal systems: The preparation of nanoparticles in colloidal systems is one of the most well known methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials. Moreover, this methodology allows, in several cases, synthesize nanoparticles with some preferential orientations/shapes and it i is very well-known that the shape of the nanoparticles influences their optical, electronic, catalytic and electrocatalytic properties. This fact is specially important when the nanoparticles are going to be applied in electrocatalytic or catalytic reactions which are sensitive to the structure of the catalyst. The application of this method to electrocatalysis is a really innovative concept. Very remarkably, shape controlled nanoparticless are beingg currently used in medical applications (nanomedicine), due to their unique properties, for instance in cancer detection and treatment. The particle size of the nanoparticle ranges between 5-50 nm but again is strongly dependent of the capping material employed. Thus, different shapes, with different properties, can be prepared (cubic, tetrahedral, spherical, truncated octahedral). Using this methodolog gy, shape-controlledd pictures are Pt nanoparticles have been prepared. As an example the following presented: 3

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5 Similarly, shape-controlled Au nanoparticles can be prepared: 5

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7 And also for the synthesiss of shape-controlled Pd nanoparticles: 7

8 In addition, these shape-controlledd nanoparticles can be dispersed in different supports (carbon based materials, titania, etc ). Some examples of supported nanoparticles can be found in the following gallery of images: 8

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10 INNOVATIVE ASPECTS Possibilitiess of developing synthesis processes underr customer s requirements (sizes / shapes / composition). Electrocatalytic properties of nanoparticles are improved as a function of the size, and atomic composition of the nanoparticles. Synthesis of new catalyst and electrocatalyst by preferential surface structure / shapes (cubic, tetrahedral, spherical, octahedral, etc). MAIN ADVANTAGES Customization of the process of synthesis, test, scale-upp and technology transfer to the company. Use of decontaminated protocols for the cleaning of some particles. Techniques appropriated for metallic, bimetallic and multimetallic particles. Also applyable to other compounds as SiO2, CdS, ZnS, ZrO2, CaCO3, C BaCO3, CdSe, TiO2, etc. CURRENT STATE OF THE DEVELOPMENT Laboratory and pre-pilot scales tested. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Secret know-how. MARKET APPLICATION The use of nanoparticles could be off interest to: Optical, magnetic, catalytic and electrocatalytic properties. Sensors. Catalysts (supported and unsupported) for batteries, fuel cells, gas diffusion electrodes, etc. Ceramic materials. Pigments. Biological and medical applications. 10

11 COLLABORATION SOUGHT Manufacturers of optical, magnetic, sensors, medical devices, catalysts (for using in batteries, fuel cells, gas diffusionn electrodes, etc.), ceramic c materials and/or pigments are sought in order to achieve technical cooperation and/or commercial with technical assistance agreements. In case of technical cooperation: adapting or developing the technology for the sector or market in which the company could be involved and under theirr requirements. In case of commercial agreement with technical assistance: training/assisting in set up processes, consulting in new processes, technical training. RESEARCH GROUP PROFILE The group of Applied Electrochemistry and Electrocataly ysis of thee Department of Physical Chemistry and Institute I of f Electrochemistry at the University of Alicante was created in 1983, the present staff consisting off 2 Professors, 1 Senior Lecturers 2 researches, 2 electrochemical pilot plant specialists, 1 electronic engineer and several post and pre-doctoral and Applied Electrochemistry (batteries, organic an inorganic electrosynthesiss and wáter electrochemical treatment). The aim of this group is to develop electrochemical processes for industrial purposes. Thus the research in this area field comprises different subjects. We students. The researchh carried out by the group comprises: Electrocatalysis have worked in the development of redox batteries and have h built a 2 kw / 20 kwh accumulator based on Fe (III) / Fe (II) and Cr (III) / Cr (II) couples. Other subjects of research are electro-organicc synthesis of fine and pharmaceutic chemicals and Electrochemistry applied to the environment. As a result of our work on this first subject, we hold several patents for thee synthesis of l-cysteine derivatives and citiolone (one of them is a world-wide patent) ). To carry out electrochemical processes to industrial scales, we have designed and built an electrochemical pilot plantt at the University in which, in co-operationn with a Spanish industry, we have been able to synthesise 14Tm of carboxymethyl l-cysteine, a widely used pharmaceutical product.. We have also taken part in a project for the recoveryy of lead from lead oxide secondaries such as used lead batteries (a BRITE-EURAM project) ). In this project we were in charge of the study and development of the cathodicc process, lead deposition, to a pre-industrial scale, of the recovering of NaCl N by electrodialysiss and of the elimination of lead from the wastewater by electrochemical means. The aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of the process at an a industrial scale. At the moment, we are developing a pre-industrial prototypee for the electrochemical treatment of the wastewater of a textile industry. 11

12 To do all this work, we have not only acquired a deep knowledge of Electrochemistry (both Fundament tal and Applied) but also thee expertisee for developing different types of electrodes - single crystal, DSA, gas diffusion electrodes etc., and of different electrochemical reactors. This has all contributed to our wide experience in the t development of electrochem mical processes at a pre- industrial scale. DATOS DE CONTACTO Víctor Manuel Pérez Lozano SGITT-OTRI ( Universidad de Alicante) Teléfono: Fax: otri@ua.es URL: 12

Technology offer: Regeneration of chemical oxidants and reducers

Technology offer: Regeneration of chemical oxidants and reducers Technology offer Regeneration of chemical oxidants and reducers Reference: TO- SUMMARY The Department of Chemistry Physics (Applied Electrochemical