Summary:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a novel and scalable method to synthesize ultrafine nanoparticles.
Background:
Ultrafine nanoparticles are particles that often exhibit unique properties due to their small size and high surface area to volume ratio. Despite being about 10,000x smaller than the thickness of a human hair, they are often found in many everyday items from eyeglasses to crack-resistant paintings. While their large surface area is ideal for many energy-related technologies and drug delivery applications, their high surface energy leads to intrinsic instabilities. When unstable, particles can agglomerate or deteriorate after constant use. Additionally, current methods to fabricate ultrafine nanoparticles involve thermal annealing which can be inefficient and time consuming . Therefore, there is a need for a method that produces stable ultrafine nanoparticles in an efficient manner.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a method that produces uniform ultrafine nanoparticles. The method is highly scalable, and by altering the parameters of the process, it can produce a broad range of nanoparticle compositions. The scalability, versatility, and efficiency of this method will enable the development of new energy-related technologies and drug delivery applications.
Potential Applications:
- Energy technologies
- Photovoltaic cell production
- Drug delivery nanoparticles
- New material production
Advantages:
- Flash heating and cooling
- Versatile and scalable production
- Radiation annealing
- Uniform nanoparticle production
Development to Date:
First successful demonstration by production of uniform ultrafine nanoparticles.