Nebraska Patent of the Month – March 2023
Transition metal oxides are commonly used in magnetic, optical, and electronic applications like gas sensors and UV blockers. Cerium oxide nanocrystals, in particular, are gaining prominence due to their unique redox properties and oxygen storage capacity. These crystals have a wide range of applications in various fields like biomedicine, gas sensors, fuel cells, ultraviolet absorbers, and catalysis. However, the existing synthesis techniques require elevated temperatures, high pressures, and toxic chemicals. These methods are energy-intensive and lead to a high carbon footprint.
NUtech Ventures, a technology transfer organization of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has developed a much simpler synthesis method of cerium oxide nanocrystals. Their method uses a room-temperature, facile technique for synthesizing transition metal oxides, oxynitrates, oxyhydroxides, and lanthanide-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles in the presence of ozone. This ozone-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles is a breakthrough innovation that not only eliminates the use of toxic chemicals but also reduces the energy consumption significantly.
NUtech Ventures’ ozone-mediated synthesis of cerium oxide nanocrystals is a rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly technique. The synthesis method yields ceria nanocrystals of narrow size distribution, which is crucial for various applications. Short-chain alcohols like ethanol, methanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, or t-butanol can be used as solvents for the synthesis. The ozone-mediated synthesis technique can produce ceria nanocrystals with dimensions in the range of 2 nm to 6 nm. The ceria nanocrystals can be obtained from the first solution after the gas is provided to the first solution for a duration of less than one minute.
The ozone-mediated synthesis of ceria nanocrystals can be enhanced by recycling the ceria nanocrystals through a hydrothermal process to increase the crystallinity of the nanocrystals. This innovative method is not only eco-friendly, but it also ensures high-quality cerium oxide nanocrystals, which is essential for various applications.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
