Relative to their volume, nanoparticles have a very large surface area. For this reason, they make good catalysts, among other uses. Such small particles are also advantageous for use in materials such as lacquer, emulsions, and foils.

The critical concerns in the production of nanoparticles are the regulation of particle size, the degree of monodispersity, the yield, the solubility, the dispersion, the stringency of the reaction conditions, and the necessity of hazardous solvents.

This invention from a German University offers a procedure whereby the reaction can be controlled by varying the conditions and duration of the reaction.
The reaction conditions are very moderate and through the proper selection of parameters, the resulting size of the nanocapsules can be determined. The use of block copolymers allows for the modification of the surface of the nanocapsules with various molecules, through which the solubility can be influenced.

The reagents used are water, long-chain alcohol, a commercially available detergent, polyelectrolytes, and block copolymers. The advantages of the procedure include that the nanoparticles gain a covalently-bonded exterior coating, ensuring that there can be no further fusion of particles that would allow them to grow.

Furthermore, the surface characteristics of the nanoparticle can be tailored through the proper choice of block copolymer.

Innovative Aspects:
The technological innovations and advantages of the offer are:

- Surface properties can be modified as desired.
- Stability of the particle.
- Magnetic, optical-electric or catalytic properties can be produced.
- Redispersibility of the particles.
- Simple reaction procedure.
- Particle size can be regulated.
- Stability of the shell can be controlled.
- Various different components can be enclosed within the nanocapsules.
- Use of block copolymers in capsule synthesis.
- Stable encapsulation of the particle.

 

Patents/Rights: Patent(s) applied for but not yet granted

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