Award Abstract #9961227
SBIR Phase I: Reactive Nanoparticles as Destructive Adsorbents

NSF Org:	IIP Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships
Initial Amendment Date:	November 30, 1999
Latest Amendment Date:	November 30, 1999
Award Number:	9961227
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Cynthia J. Ekstein IIP Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships ENG Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	January 1, 2000
Expires:	June 30, 2000 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$99756
Investigator(s):	Kenneth Klabunde kenjk@ksu.edu (Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	NANOSCALE MATERIALS INC 1310 RESEARCH PARK DR MANHATTAN, KS 66502 913/532-0179
NSF Program(s):	SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I
Field Application(s):	0106000 Materials Research, 0308000 Industrial Technology
Program Reference Code(s):	AMPP,9165,1415
Program Element Code(s):	5371

ABSTRACT

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will determine how certain critical steps in the synthesis of reactive nanoparticles (RNP) can be transformed from batchwise to a continuous process. This research is critically needed in order to develop a commercially viable process for manufacturing RNP materials for applications in both the civilian and military marketplaces. RNP materials and related technologies hold great promise for meeting a number of critical and high-value needs. Military applications include personnel protection, demilitarization, and decontamination. Nantek's proprietary RNPs are capable of destroying both chemical and biological warfare agents. Applications include destroying chemical weapon stockpiles; developing topical skin protectants against chemical agents; and materials for decontaminating equipment and personnel. Civilian uses include kits for counter-terrorism and safety response for the chemical industry. RNPs are effective against a wide range of toxic compounds, including PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and dioxins, and can remove acid gases from industrial emissions. With the number of important commercial applications growing, it is critical that the synthesis of these nanostructured materials be simplified into a commercially viable process.

RNPs are truly a dual-use enabling technology capable of meeting a wide range of critical and high-value needs in both the military and civilian marketplaces. In the military area Nantek is developing RNPs to destroy chemical and biological warfare (CBW) agents for (1) personnel protection, (2) demilitarization, and (3) decontamination. In the civilian marketplace, potential products include materials and devices for counter-terrorism, and emergency response kits for accidental spills and releases in the chemical and biochemical industries.

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