Room Temperature Nano-Structure Synthesis in Aerosols

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus, Cincinnati OH

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract The proposed goal is to produce nanostructured aerosols by room temperature synthesis. Unlike the aerosol flame synthesis procedure, it should produce non-oxidized powders with reasonably large specific surface areas. Such a technique was demonstrated earlier by the PI in the formation of nanostructured titania and silica from mixed vapor streams devoid of the traditional solvents. This "aero-sol-gel" reactor can produce continuously meso- and microporous metal oxides, with tunable specific surface areas ranging from 100 to 700 m2/g , for a very limited invested cost. Parallel organic processes are also considered, with a view to produce nanostructured hybrids of organic and metal oxides. Rapid removal of volatile byproducts is expected to accelerate the chemical process and prevent the collapse of the nanopowders pores. A number of applications could replace existing technologies, with better qualities and at lower cost. Two target applications are proposed: one is the organic elastomer reinforcement with "tuned" nanostructured silica; the other one is the creation of ultra-violet absorbing nanostructured titania for such chemicals as polymers or paint. The precision in the design and manufacture of such aggregates is essential to their effectiveness; this part of the proposed research will be accomplished in coordination with several important high technology industries.