Core-Shell Particles
Example of core-shell nanoparticles produced at NEI Corporation
Core-Shell nanoparticles are composite particles where a core material is coated with a material of a different composition (shell), imparting unique functionalities that are otherwise unattainable for the individual materials. Such nanostructured particles have diverse applications. NEI Corporation has recently developed a patent pending, scalable process to produce core-shell nanoparticles. The process can be used to manufacture metallic and ceramic core-shell nanoparticles, such as metal / metal oxide and metal / metal boride core-shell nanoparticles. The versatility of the process allows core-shell nanoparticles to be synthesized in a wide range of compositions.
Applications:
- Biomedical – in-vitro and deep tissue imaging
- Solid propellants – launch vehicles, satellites, and missiles
- Energetic materials – airbags, drug injection, and micro-valves
- LEDs, lasers, and phosphors
- Catalysis
Sulfide Nanomaterials
Lithium Tin Phosphorus Sulfide (LSPS) »
Lithium Tin Phosphorus Sulfide (LSPS) is a “superionic” solid that conducts lithium ions at room temperature. The patent pending solid electrolyte is designed to eliminate flammability issues associated with currently used liquid electrolytes, while providing high ion conductivity. At room temperature, the electrolyte has high lithium-ion conductivity (~10-3 S/cm) and can potentially be used in lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur rechargeable batteries. The processing methodology, which has been scaled to the kilogram level, can be adapted to other multi-element sulfide compositions.
Processes to produce tin (IV) sulfide (SnS2) nanoparticles (~100 nm), and micro-nano hybrid zinc sulfide (ZnS) particles, have also been developed at NEI.
Oxide Nanomaterials
Magnesium Oxide (MgO)
Magnesium oxide is commonly used as a grain growth inhibitor, desiccant, cement additive and an industrial cable insulator. Additional applications include visible and IR transparent windows, deacidification of at-risk paper items, protective coatings in plasma displays, and medicinal applications. We produce high surface area (specific surface area 10-15 m2/g, primary particle size ~150 nm) magnesium oxide nanoparticles.
We also produce and supply nanoparticles of yttrium oxide (cubic Y2O3), yttrium aluminum oxide (garnet, Y3Al3O12), and magnesium aluminum oxide (spinel MgAl2O4).
High Surface Area Hollow Silica Fibers
NANOMYTE® SuperSurf-C and SuperSurf-W are exceptionally high surface area, fibrous silica-based materials. Their nominal specific surface area (BET) is > 1000 m2/g. These materials are supplied in two forms: woven cloth (SuperSurf-C) and wool (SuperSurf-W). The fibers of these materials are hollow, which allows them to be infiltrated with other materials to achieve a desired functionality. The exceptionally high surface area of the fibers is due to the presence of nanoscale roughness and pores.
Applications:
- Base for filters to remove hazardous materials from water & air
- Antimicrobial textiles
- Thermal insulators
- Desiccants and sorbents
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About NEI Corporation
Founded in 1997, NEI Corporation develops, manufactures, and sells nanoscale materials for a broad range of industrial customers around the world. NEI’s products incorporate proprietary nanotechnology and advanced materials science to create significant performance improvements in manufactured goods. NEI’s products include advanced protective coatings, high performance battery electrode materials, and specialty nanoscale materials for diverse applications. NEI has created a strong foundation in the emerging field of nanotechnology that has enabled the company to become a world leader in selected markets.