Nanophase Technologies Corporation

Siegel has formed a company called Nanophase Technologies Corporation to commercialize his work. The opportunities look bright for nanocrystalline materials. Sometimes smaller is definitely better. ... 

Figure 2.1. TEM ofNanoTek aluminum oxide. Courtesy of Nanophase Technologies Corporation, Burr Ridge, IL, USA.

Zinc oxide is produced either by the French or by the American process. Both processes are pyrometallurgical techniques in which the metal in a vapor state reacts with oxygen, forming zinc oxide. The difference between the methods is in the raw material used for the synthesis. In the French process, pure metal is evaporated, and the final product is as pure as the metal used for its production. In the American process, zinc vapor is obtained directly from an ore by burning it as a mixture with coal or in an electrothermic process where electric current provides the heat. More recently, a new method, somewhat similar to the French process, was introduced by Nanophase Technologies Corporation who patented a physical vapor synthesis process in which zinc metal is vaporized. The vapor is rapidly cooled in the presence of oxygen, causing nucleation and condensation of nanoparticle size zinc oxide. The particles are non-porous and free of contamination. 

Nanophase Technology Corporation has developed a silver-doped nanocrystalline tin oxide aimed at antimicrobial and conductive apphcations. It consists of particles in the 30 nm size range with a silver content of 3%. The company expects to develop similar products. 

Nanophase Technologies Corporation 453 Commerce Street aluminum oxide 20... 

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