Title: Direct formation of metal nanoparticles using ultrasound

Abstract

A method for creating nanoparticles directly from bulk metal by applying ultrasound to the surface in the presence of a two-part surfactant system. Implosive collapse of cavitation bubbles near the bulk metal surface generates powerful microjets, leading to material ejection. This liberated material is captured and stabilized by a surfactant bilayer in the form of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles can be produced regardless of the bulk metal form factor. The method is generally applicable of metals and alloys. The method can be applied to an environmentally important problem, the reclamation of gold from an electronic waste stream.

Inventors:

Huber, Dale L.; Watt, John Daniel; Chavez, Jonathan; Ammerman, Lauren Marie

Issue Date:

Tue Dec 31 00:00:00 EST 2019

Research Org.:

Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

OSTI Identifier:

1600440

Patent Number(s):

10518330

Application Number:

16/219,482

Assignee:

National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC (Albuquerque, NM)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B22 - CASTING B22F - WORKING METALLIC POWDER

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B82 - NANOTECHNOLOGY B82Y - SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES

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B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B22 - CASTING B22F - WORKING METALLIC POWDER

B22F2009/001 - {from scrap particles}
B22F2202/01 - Use of vibrations
B22F2301/255 - Silver or gold
B22F2304/054 - Particle size between 1 and 100 nm
B22F2999/00 - Aspects linked to processes or compositions used in powder metallurgy
B22F9/04 - starting from solid material, e.g. by crushing, grinding or milling
B22F9/16 - using chemical processes
B22F9/20 - starting from solid metal compounds

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B82 - NANOTECHNOLOGY B82Y - SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES

B82Y30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
B82Y40/00 - Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures

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DOE Contract Number:  

NA0003525

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 12/13/2018

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY; 36 MATERIALS SCIENCE