Reference Number: 03-11
Inventors: Ken Klabunde and Chris Sorensen et. al.
Description:
The technology consists of a new catalytic process that utilizes gold nanoparticles to form polysilozanes in wire, filament, or tubular form at the nanoscale level.
The technology utilizes a unique catalytic property of gold nanoparticles, which has the unexpected ability to polymerize alkysilanes in the presence of water to form siloxanes under mild conditions. Siloxane polymers are generally useful as silicone rubber, insulation, and other uses of flexible material that will remain flexible over a wide temperature range. An additional use for this technology would be the application to components in nanomechanical devices, such as springs, levers, and dampers. Another possible application would be to oxidize the siloxane nanowires to form silica (SiO2) nanowires, for use in light transmission.
This technology produces polymers in the shape of nanowires, filament, and tubes, using gold nanoparticles to enable the catalytic reactions. The reaction can be carried out at relatively low temperatures (120°C).
Patent Status
Kansas State University Research Foundation seeks to have discussions with companies that are interested in licensing and/or research collaborations.
Interested parties should contact:
National Institute for Strategic Technology Acquisition and
Commercialization (NISTAC)
2005 Research Park Circle Manhattan, KS 66502
Tel: 785-532-3900 Fax: 785-532-3909
E-Mail: nistac@ksu.edu