Research Foundation
Kansas State University
2005 Research Park Circle
Suite 105
Manhattan, KS 66502-5020
Tel: 785-532-5720
Fax: 785-532-3920
tech.transfer@k-state.edu

Electro-Thermal Nanoparticle Generator

Reference Number: 05-01

Inventors: Stefan Bossmann and Norbert Bora

Description:

This invention is directed generally to a thermo-chemical nanoparticle generator for the controlled production of nanoparticles, and a method of controllably producing nanoparticals. The combustion of a carbon-based propellant under the controlled variation of combustion parameters allows for the production of ionized nanoparticles of a defined mass. In addition, with the assistance of a high voltage generator a combined ionized gas-/solid particle plasma stream can be produced, which can be accelerated in an acceleration tube to high emission velocities allowing for applications of the invention ranging from spacecraft propulsion to plasma welding.

Applications

This type of plasma engine could be used as a plasma welder or as a plasma torch. One possible area of application for this technology is nanoparticle generation. This technology would ensure high throughput as a nanoparticle generator as well as the ability to generate nanoparticles of a defined mass and variable specific impulse. Anoerth area of application is as an ion thruster for satellite positioning. This technology could also be used as a plasma engine to propel ships through space. The extreme amount of thrust produced by this engine would help to reduce the time required to move long distance through space.

Advantages

• Production of nanoparticles of defined mass and variable specific impulse
• High throughput as nanoparticle geneator (100g to 50 kg per day)
• Monodiperse and monoform distribution of nanoparticle with variable metal content
• Bigger thrust than current design of plasma engine (in the range of 100 times)
• Adjustable thrust
• Ion thruster engines are more efficient than chemical engines
• Less weight needed to carry fuel makes ion engines less expensive to launch into space than chemical engines

Patent Status

• U.S. patent #7,454,893 issued on November 25, 2008

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