Editor-in-chief:

G. Sundararajan
Editors:
Y. R. Mahajan
S. V. Joshi
Publicity and Marketing:
H. Purushotham
Editorial Assistance:
P. Nagaraju Rao Technical
Ravi Kiran Devalla Visualization & Design
Editorial Office:
Centre for Knowledge Management of
Nanoscience & Technology (CKMNT)
12-5-32/7, 1st Floor, Vijayapuri Colony
Tarnaka, Secunderabad-500 017, A.P., India
Telephone: +91 40 2700 0251, 2700 7032
Telefax: +91 40 2700 7031
Disclaimer:
Opinions and statements expressed in
Nanotech Insights are solely those of the
authors and do not necessarily reflect
those of CKMNT or the editors and staff.
Authors of articles in Nanotech Insights
are generally experts in their respective
fields and assume full responsibility for
the accuracy and completeness of their
contributions. No endorsements by CKMNT
of programs or products should be inferred.
Copyright:
Single copies of articles in Nanotech
Insights may be made for personal
or educational use. Copies in quantity
or for commercial purposes, regardless
of media used or how reproduced or
transmitted, is forbidden without prior
written permission.
Nanotech Insights is published quarterly by
Dr. S.V. Joshi, Project Director on behalf
of Centre for Knowledge Management of
Nanoscience & Technology, 12-5-32/7,
1st Floor, Vijayapuri Colony, Tarnaka,
Secunderabad-500 017, A.P., India
Website: www.ckmnt.com
Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt. Ltd.,
Hyderabad

Subscription details
WITHIN INDIA (print copy+online access):
Academic Institutions /
Individuals: Rs. 2000 per year / 4 issues
Others: Rs. 5000 per year / 4 issues
OUTSIDE INDIA:
Print copy+online access: US$ 200
per year / 4 issues
Online access only: US$ 125 per year /
4 issues
For subscription details, please visit:

www.ckmnt.com

Editorial
It is an immense pleasure to present to you this inaugural issue of Nanotech
Insights, the official newsletter of the recently established Centre for Knowledge
Management of Nanoscience and Technology (CKMNT). Intended to be a
quarterly publication dedicated to the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology,
we are hopeful that Nanotech Insights will evolve to become an invaluable
resource for the entire spectrum of nano stake-holders. This issue merely
represents the first baby-step in the above direction.
At the outset, it would be apt to briefly share with you the motivation for creation
of CKMNT and the ambitious plans that we harbour for this Centre. Given the
rapid pace at which the field of nanoscience and technology has been growing
in recent times, and the concomitant explosive growth in knowledge being
generated and information being shared, we at the International Advanced
Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials (ARCI) had been
increasingly feeling the need for a comprehensive literature and patent database
to aid formulation of meaningful programmes at our Centre for Nanomaterials.
As some of our early programmes began to fructify and the vast canvas of
their potential applications became apparent, information relevant to forging
appropriate industry linkages, available standards, safety & health issues etc.
became indispensable. Such mounting in-house requirements, and our struggle
in culling out pertinent data from the sea of existing information, suggested that a
capable centre to create, maintain, categorize and analyze the vast nanoscience
and nanotechnology database could ideally serve the growing nano
community. Thus, the idea of CKMNT was born!
At about this time, the Government of Indias Department of Science and
Technology (DST) launched a Mission on Nanoscience and Technology (NANO
MISSION) steered by a Council under the chairmanship of Prof. C. N. R. Rao
in May 2007, catalyzing a dramatic increase in nano-based R & D activities
in national laboratories and universities in the country. Thanks to the NANO
MISSION, the need for assimilation and segregation of information in the face
of growing global research output was widely acknowledged. There was also a
realization that, in order to translate research successes into viable technologies
for societal benefit, awareness about the promise of this enabling technology
among industries in particular, and the public in general, would have to be
enhanced. This reinforced our view that CKMNT was now an idea whose time
had come - and the support from the NANO MISSION has made this a reality.
As outlined elsewhere in this issue, we are optimistic that CKMNT will be able to
offer a host of services that would appropriately meet the diverse requirements
of researchers, industries, policy makers, financial institutions and venture
capitalists with a stake in nano and thus help in fulfilling the objectives of
DSTs NANO MISSION. We have just begun the process of building Team
CKMNT and this first issue of Nanotech Insights is only a start in our effort to
regularly update you on key developments in the area of nanoscience and
technology across the globe.
We hope this inaugural issue reflects our commitment to showcase important
multidisciplinary developments spanning diverse aspects of nanoscience and
technology, and provide an effective forum to promote education, networking
and dissemination of knowledge in the field. We very much hope you enjoy this
first issue as much as we have enjoyed bringing it to you. Finally, we welcome
your candid comments and suggestions so that we can tailor the scope and
format of Nanotech Insights to completely meet the aspirations of all constituent
segments of the vast nano community that we seek to serve.

About the Cover: Adopted from an image showing molecular structure of

polymer/carbon nanotube composite. Provided by Dr. Meyya Meyyappan,
Director, Centre for Nanotechnology, Ames Research Center, NASA.

About the Nano Mission

Genesis and Overview:
In recent times, there has been increased awareness
and recognition amongst the scientific community,
government agencies and policymakers concerning the
immense potential of nanoscience and nanotechnology
in solving astounding problems being faced by
India in the areas of clean water supply, renewable
energy, affordable health care, environment, national
security etc. With a view to address these issues, the
Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt.
of India, launched the Nano Science and Technology
Initiative (NSTI) in October 2001. As on date, a total
investment of US $169.7 million has been made.
Buoyed by the overwhelming success of NSTI,
DST took up another major initiative and launched,
during 2007-08, a national Nano Mission to foster,
promote and develop all aspects of nanoscience and
nanotechnology. The Government of India made an upfront investment of Rs. 10 billion (US $254 million) for the
initial period of 5 years to create and sustain the Nano
Mission. This is an umbrella programme for capacity
building, which envisages the overall development of
this field of research aiming at enhancing public welfare
and economic development of the country.
DST is the nodal agency for implementing the Nano
Mission. At the apex level, it is steered by a Nano
Mission Council (NMC). Two advisory groups, namely,
the Nano Science Advisory Group (NSAG) and the
Nano Applications and Technology Advisory Group
(NATAG), are guiding the technical programmes
of the Nano Mission. The mission will strive for the
development of products and processes that will
benefit the masses; this includes areas of national
relevance, such as safe drinking water, materials
development, sensors development, drug delivery
etc. To accomplish these tasks, it will forge linkages
between educational & research institutions and
industry, and promote public-private partnerships. DST
has recently established the Institute of Nanoscience
and Technology at Mohali, Chandigarh. This is an
autonomous registered society fully funded by DST.
Under the purview of this mission, research on
fundamental aspects of nanoscience and human
resource development is being given the highest priority
so that India emerges as a global knowledge hub in this
field. In this connection, about 180 research projects on
the synthesis and assembly of ceramic nanoparticles,
carbon nanotubes, nanowires, nanostructured alloys
etc. are being supported. On the applications front,
projects on nanolithography, nanostructured high
strength materials, targeted drug delivery systems, DNA
chips etc. have been supported. For optimal use of
expensive and sophisticated characterization facilities,
a chain of shared facilities is being established across
the country. This includes, the Ultra High Resolution
Aberration corrected Transmission Electron Microscope

Industry / Institutional Profile

facility at JNCASR Bangalore. This will be one of only

25-30 such facilities in the world. Under this mission,
as on date, the following 7 Centres for Nanotechnology
Research and 12 Units for Nanoscience Research have
been established to promote research activities in a
decentralised fashion:

Units for Nano Science Research

IIT Madras, Chennai IACS, Kolkata University of
Pune S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences,
Kolkata NCL, Pune JNCASR, Bangalore BHU,
Varanasi IIT Kanpur, Kanpur IISc, Bangalore IIT
Delhi, New Delhi SINP, Kolkata IISER, Pune

Centres for Nano Technology Research

Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Kerala
(Implants, Tissue Engineering, Stem Cell Research)
S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences,
Kolkata (NEMS & MEMS / Nano products)
NCBS, TIFR, Bangalore (Nanoscale phenomena
in biological systems & materials) IIT-Bombay,
Mumbai (Nanoelectronics, polymer nanosensors,
nanobiotechnology) Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore (Nanodevices, Nanocomposites,
Nanobiosensors) IIT, Kanpur (Printable Electronics,
Nanopatterning) Indian Association for the Cultivation
of Science (Photovoltaics & Sensor Devices)
In addition to the above, a Centre for Computational
Materials Science at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for
Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, has also
been funded by the Nano Mission.
In order to translate the existing knowledge available
at the R & D institutes and universities into product
development of direct interest to industry, the Nano
Mission has also promoted joint institute-industry
linked projects. In some of these projects, the industrial
partners have also provided financial support. Six such
projects have received financial support so far. A number
of initiatives have been already undertaken to train and
nurture human resource in the area of nanoscience and
nanotechnology. This includes organization of national
and international conferences, national review meetings
and advanced schools and support for post-doctoral
fellowships through JNCASR, Bangalore. M.Sc./M.Tech.
programmes in nanoscience and technology have been
launched in 15 institutes. International collaborative
programmes are being undertaken under the auspices
of the Nano Mission with Russia & Canada. Joint R & D
activities are already taking place with several countries.
An Indo-Japan beam line is being established at the
Photon Factory, KEK, Tsukuba, Japan for nanomaterials
research. Efforts are also on to gain access to all the
beam lines of PETRA III synchrotron radiation and
FLASH facilities at DESY, Hamburg, Germany. Being
a high energy photon source with nano size beams,
PETRA III will be of special significance for carrying out
research in nano science and technology.


NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

Objectives of the Nano Mission

The Government of Indias Department of Science & Technology launched a Mission on Nano Science & Technology
(NANO MISSION) in May 2007 to foster, promote and develop all aspects of nanoscale and nanotechnology which
have the potential to benefit the country.
The Nano Mission is an umbrella programme for capacity building which envisages the overall development of
this field of research in the country and to tap some of its applied potential for nations development. In brief, the
objectives of the Nano Mission are:
Basic Research Promotion Funding of basic research by individual scientists and/or groups
of scientists and creation of centres of excellence for pursuing studies leading to fundamental
understanding of matter that enables control and manipulation at the nanoscale.
Infrastructure Development for Nano Science & Technology Research For optimal use of
expensive and sophisticated facilities, like Optical Tweezer, Nano Indentor, TEM, SEM, STM, AFM,
Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (MALDI TOF MS), Microarray
Spotter & Scanner, the Ultra High Resolution Aberation corrected Transmission Electron Microscope
etc., it is proposed to establish a chain of shared facilities across the country.
Nano Applications and Technology Development Programmes To catalyze applications and
development programmes leading to products and devices the Mission proposes to promote
application-oriented R & D Projects, establish nano applications and technology development centres,
etc. Special effort will be made to involve the industrial sector into nanotechnology R & D directly or
through Public Private Partnership (PPP) ventures.
Human Resource Development The Mission shall focus on providing effective education and
training to researchers and professionals in diversified fields so that a genuine interdisciplinary culture
for nanoscale science, engineering and technology can emerge.
International Collaborations Apart from exploratory visits of scientists, organization of joint
workshops and conferences and joint research projects, it is also planned to facilitate access to
sophisticated research facilities abroad, establish joint centres of excellence and forge academiaindustry partnerships at the international level wherever required and desirable.
Source: http://nanomission.gov.in/

Invitation for Project Proposals under Nano Mission

The Government of India launched a mission-mode R & D programme on Nano Science
and Technology (henceforth called Nano Mission) on May 3, 2007 with a budgetary
allocation of Rs1000 Crores over 5 years, steered by Nano Mission Council (NMC). The
technical programmes of the Nano Mission are being guided by two advisory groups, viz.,
the Nano Science Advisory Group (NSAG) and the Nano Applications and Technology
Advisory Group (NATAG) with an objective to encourage implementation of industry-centric
and application-driven projects in the area of nano science and technology. The Nano
Mission aims at funding research projects and programmes to promote growth of R & D in
this area in the country.
For further details regarding programmes, research areas, thrust areas, prescribed formats,
guidelines for formatting / submission of projects and for other information relating to the
Nano Mission, visit http://nanomission.gov.in.

Subscription Details will come

N a n o t e ch P a t e n t s R o u n d u p

Hydrogenation Properties of
Pd Nanoparticles

g u e s t a r t ic l e

B.R. Mehta
Thin Film Laboratory, Physics Department, Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi - 110016,
India.
Pd is probably the best known material for its
selectivity and catalytic activity for hydrogen and
is, thus, employed in large number of applications
like hydrogen sensing, storage, switching etc.1-6 On
hydrogenation of bulk Pd, palladium hydride is formed,
which exists in two phases: -PdHx (low hydrogen
concentration hydride phase, x < 0.03) and -PdHx
(high hydrogen concentration hydride phase, x > 0.6).7
The lattice parameter of Pd changes from 0.3889 nm
to 0.3893 nm for -PdHx and to 0.4023 nm for -PdHx.7
Due to size and surface enhancement, it is expected
that Pd-H interaction will be largely modified in case
of Pd nanoparticles. We have carried out a detailed
investigation on Pd-H interaction by studying the
hydrogen induced changes in structural and electrical
properties.
In our laboratory, we have developed a deposition
technique for preparing size-selected Pd nanoparticles
with a controllable size and a narrow size-distribution
using an integrated synthesis approach as shown in
Fig. 1.8,9 The set up consists of a high temperature
furnace for the formation of agglomerates in an inert
background, an ultra-violet charger for efficiently
charging the particles with a unit positive or negative
charge, differential mobility analyzer (DMA) for size
classification, a sintering furnace for crystallization and
converting agglomerates into spherical nanoparticles

and a unit for deposition of nanoparticles onto a

substrate. The DMA selects the particles on the basis
of electrical mobility, which depends on the size,
charge level and shape of the agglomerates. Figure 2
shows a typical transmission electron micrograph of Pd
nanoparticles of sizes 15.4 (P15) and 20.3 (P20) nm,
having standard deviation () equal to 1.08. and 1.05,
respectively. These were deposited by keeping DMA
voltage at 450.0 and 970.9 V, respectively.6 The small
value of ( 1.10) confirms the monodispersity of the
deposited Pd nanoparticle samples.
Hydrogenation properties of Pd thin films, Pd
nanoparticle layers and size-selected Pd nanoparticles
have been studied. Detailed in situ x-ray diffraction
studies have been carried out on Pd nanoparticle
layers (NP) and thin film (TF) samples as a function
of H2 concentration (Hc) ranging from 2 to 10% as
shown in Fig. 3.7 Hydrogen adsorption causes lattice
expansion leading to shift of the Pd (111) peak. In case
of the TF sample, the XRD peak becomes asymmetric,
indicating the presence of two hydride phases: -PdHx
( phase) and -PdHx ( phase). It is observed that the
extent of phase formation increases with increase in Hc
from 2% to 5%. In case of the NP sample, the gradual
shift in peak position corresponding to the phase is
observed with increasing hydrogen concentration from
2 to 10 % which is attributed to increased hydrogen
incorporation. It is important to note that only high
hydrogen concentration phase is observed in NP
sample in the hydrogen concentration range of 2-10%.
These results show enhanced hydrogenation of Pd
nanoparticles in comparison to the thin film sample.
This can be explained on the basis of size-induced
electronic and surface effects.2-4,10,11 In nanoparticles,
due to enhanced surface to volume ratio, additional

HV
N2

Aerosol
MFC

Flow

Sheath Gas

(Polydisperse)
HT Furnace

(N2)

(a) P15

(b) P20

UV
Charger

DMA

Critical Orifice

Aerosol Flow Excess N

2

Low-Pressure Substrate
Impactor
Vacuum Pumps

(Monodisperse)

30 nm

30 nm

Sintering
Furnace

Fig. 1: Schematic diagram of the nanoparticle

deposition set-up

Fig. 2: TEM images of monodispersed Pd nanoparticles

(a) P15 and (b) P20.

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

Phase

Phase

(a) TF

(b) NP

Hc=10%

Hc=10%

Intensity (normalized)

Phase

Hc=5%

Hc=5%

Hc=2%

Hc=2%
Pd (111)

Pd (111)

Vacuum

Vacuum

37

38

39

40

41

42 37

2q (degree)

38

39

40

41

42

2q (degree)

Fig. 3: In situ X-ray diffractograms of (a) thin film (TF) sample

and (b) nanoparticle (NP) sample in vacuum and at hydrogen
concentration (Hc) = 2%, 5% and 10% and Tm = 250C. The
intensity of these peaks has been normalized.

surface and sub-surface adsorption sites for hydrogen

adsorption are present, in addition to the regular
interstitial and grain boundary sites.7 We have also
observed a shift of the Pd 4d centroid position away
from the Fermi level in case of Pd nanoparticles as
shown in Fig. 4.4 According to the d-band model,
this results in increased Pd-H interaction due to
increased overlap of H (1s) and Pd (4d) electronic
wavefunctions. A cross-sectional TEM micrograph
of the Pd nanoparticle layer showing the presence
of voids is shown in Fig. 5.6 These voids provide the
suitable space required for expansion during Pd to PdH
formation. The above results show that the enhanced
hydrogenation properties of Pd are due to (i) increased
Pd-H interaction due to increased overlap Pd 4d and

Fig. 5: A cross-sectional TEM micrograph of the sample

P15 showing Pd nanoparticle/glass interface. The
Pt support layer is deposited during sample
preparation for cross-sectional analysis.

H 1s orbitals (ii) presence of surface and subsurface

sites and (3) the availability of void space for lattice
expansion during PdH formation.4-7
The size-induced modification in the hydrogenation
properties of Pd results in a pulse-like hydrogen
sensing response in Pd nanoparticles.5,6 In a pulse-like
response, resistance first increases due to electronic
effect (EE), followed by a sudden decrease due to
geometric effect (GE). EE arises due to hydrogen
acting as scattering centre in Pd lattice and GE
arises due to decrease in interparticle gaps due to
~4% lattice expansion during Pd to PdH conversion.
Thus, a pulse-like hydrogen sensing response has
the attractive features of both fast response time due
to EE and high sensitivity due to GE. It is interesting
to note that pulse-like hydrogen sensing response
is a strong function of hydrogen concentration (Hc)
and measurement temperature (Tm). At 20C, pulsed
response is observed at Hc 2.5 % and saturated
response is observed at Hc 2.0 %, in case of sample
P15. At 40C, pulsed response is observed at

5.1
EF
2.3
ed

2.9
5.0

e
eH

Pd 4d

Resistance Change (%)

EVac

Time (s)

Fig. 4: A schematic energy level diagram of H-Pd system

showing increased overlap of H 1s and Pd 4d level due to
size induced shift of d-band centroid (ed - e)

Fig. 6: Sensing response for sample P15 at 400C for

different concentrations of H2. Solid and dotted lines
represent H2 on and off states, respectively.

g u e s t a r t ic l e

Fig. 7: Sensing response for sample P15 at 400C for

different concentrations of H2. Solid and dotted lines
represent H2 on and off states, respectively.

Hc 4.0% and saturated response is observed at

Hc < 4 % as shown in Fig. 6. The observed increase
in threshold concentration, with increase in the
measurement temperature of Pd nanoparticle samples
P15 and P20, is shown in Fig. 7.6 The observed
dependence of threshold concentration on temperature
is quite useful from the application point of view.
A measurement of the temperature at which the
saturated response changes to a pulsed response can
give important information about the H2 concentration
level.1
Variation of lattice parameter with temperature for
TF and NP samples at Hc = 2% is shown in Fig. 8.2
The effect of temperature on Pd-H interaction can be
explained on the basis of various processes that take
place during interaction: (i) impingement of H2 atoms
on the Pd surface, (ii) physical adsorption,
(iii) chemisorption, (iv) diffusion and (v) PdHx formation.
These processes take place simultaneously and their

relative magnitude depends on temperature. The

physisorption process increases while diffusion and
chemisorption decrease with temperature. The large
reduction in diffusivity of hydrogen in palladium takes
place with decrease of temperature from 25 to -50C.
In case of the NP sample, the lattice constant increases
with decrease in temperature from 55C to -75C (in
contrast, the corresponding temperature range is 55C
to 25C in case of the Pd thin film sample). Thus, the
observed hydrogenation of nanoparticle samples at
lower temperatures in comparison to thin films samples
is also important from the point of view of applications
requiring hydrogen detection at low temperature. We
have noted a large change in lattice parameter and
intensity of the XRD peak during in-situ hydrogen
loading and deloading at different H2 concentration,
pressure and temperature.7
In summary, a technique has been developed to
synthesize monodispersed Pd nanoparticles with a
controllable size, narrow size distribution and spherical
shape. A detailed study involving in situ x-ray diffraction
and electrical properties measurements has shown
that Pd-H interaction is significantly enhanced in case
of Pd nanoparticles due to electronic, surface and
topographical effects. A concentration-specific pulsed
sensing response with high sensitivity and response
time has been observed in Pd nanoparticles. This study
can form the basis for a new type of Pd-based resistive
hydrogen sensors.
References
1. Switchable metal hydride films,I. Aruna, L.K.
Malhotra, and B.R. Mehta, Handbook on the
Physics and Chemistry of Rare earths, Ch 228,
Vol. 36, Eds. K. A. Gschneidner Jr,J. C. G. Bnzli,
and V. K. Pecharsky (Elsevier Science Publishers,
North-Holland, Amsterdam) (2006).
2. Stability and hydrogenation of bare Gd
nanoparticles, I.Aruna, B.R. Mehta, L.K. Malhotra
and S.M. Shivaprasad, Advanced Functional
Materials, 15, 131(2005).
3. A color-neutral, Gd nanoparticle switchable mirror
with improved optical contrast and response time
I. Aruna, B.R. Mehta and L.K. Malhotra,
Advanced Materials, 16, 169 (2004).

Fig. 8: Lattice parameter corresponding to phase for NP

and TF samples as a function of temperature at Hc = 2%.
In range a, physical adsorption process dominates and
lattice parameter increases with decrease in temperature;
range b represents the region where overlapping of different
processes (physical adsorption, chemisorption and diffusion)
takes place and the lattice parameter attains a constant value.

4. Faster hydrogen recovery in Pd nanoparticle based

Gd switchable mirrors Size-induced geometric and
electronic effects, I. Aruna, B.R. Mehta and
L.K. Malhotra, Applied Physics Letters, 87,
103101 (2005).
5. Pulse-like hydrogen sensing response in Pd
nanoparticle layers
Manika Khanuja, Deepak
Varandani and B. R. Mehta, Applied Physics
Letters, 91, 253121 (2007).

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

6. Concentration specific hydrogen sensing behaviour

in monosized Pd nanoparticle layers Manika
Khanuja, Shubhra Kala, B. R. Mehta and F. E. Kruis,
Nanotechnology, 20, 015502 (2009).

9. A dual-deposition setup for fabricating

nanoparticles-thin film hybrid structure
Shubhra
Kala, F. E. Kruis and B.R. Mehta, Review of
Scientific Instruments, 79, 13702 (2008).

7. Hydrogen induced lattice expansion and crystallinity

degradation in palladium nanoparticles: Effect of
hydrogen concentration, pressure, and temperature
Manika Khanuja, B.R. Mehta, Pragya Agar, P.K.
Kulriya, D.K. Avasthi, J. Appl. Phys., 106, 093515
(2009).

10. Size dependence of various core and valence

electron binding energy in Pd nanoparticles:
interplay of quantum confinement and
coordination reduction

I. Aruna, B.R. Mehta,

L.K. Malhotra and S.M. Shivaprasad,
Journal of Applied Physics, 104,
064308 (2008).

8. A technique for synthesizing quasi-spherical and

well-crystallized rare earth nanoparticles in the size
range of 5- 20 nm S. Kala, V. N. Singh, B. R. Mehta
and F. E. Kruis, Journal of Materials Research, 24,
2276 (2009).

11. Growth of palladium nanoparticles- an experimental

and theoretical study, V. Aggarwal, I. Aruna, V.
Banerjee and B.R.Mehta, Physical Review B, 74,
035412 (2006).

Recoverable nano-hybrid catalysts for applications in phase transfer catalysis

Chemists are facing a real challenge in separating catalysts that are used to synthesize environment friendly
products. Homogeneous catalysts are being used to enhance desired reactions but they can also end up in
final products, creating a problem of separation. The soluble components / byproducts can be separated,
based on their relative volatility by distillation, but that might damage heat sensitive products. Process
improvements in removal of these soluble impurities could have a major impact in the field of chemical
process applications.
Crossley and his colleagues at the University of Oklahoma have developed novel solid hybrid nanoparticles
of carbon nanotubes and metal oxides that have solubility in both water and oils, and simultaneously act as
catalysts operating in both phases. This family of solid catalysts can stabilize water-oil emulsions and catalyze
reactions at the liquid-liquid interface. These catalysts can be easily recovered from complex processes in
which the immiscibility and thermal stability of crude products greatly complicates purification procedures. The
metal oxides (silica and magnesium oxide) are hydrophilic and get attracted to water, while carbon nanotubes
are hydrophobic and get attracted to the organic phase. These nano-hybrid particles are made catalytically
active using palladium and referred to as Janus catalysts. These solid catalytic particles sit at the interface like
any other surfactants, but interestingly they can be easily recovered by separation methods such as filtration.
Rather than carrying out complex purification steps during refining to remove hydrophilic components that are
incompatible with fuel applications, it would be easier to use Janus catalysts to perform sequential reactions
under phase-transfer conditions in a single reactor medium. In their study, Crossley and his group have
investigated the use of Janus catalyst for several reactions of relevance to biomass-refining chemistry (e.g.,
hydro-deoxygenation of a phenolic compound, hydrogenation and etherification of an aldehyde etc.) that
involve the elimination of oxygen and the condensation of small molecules.
With use of such solid nano-hybrid Janus catalysts, one can achieve full conversion on both sides of the
emulsion followed by constant removal of oil-soluble products from the top layer and water-soluble products
from the bottom layer, while the reaction keeps occurring in the emulsion. Crossley and his co-workers
anticipate that such tailor-made solid nano-hybrid particles with catalytic palladium would facilitate a broad
range of reactions.
Source:
Steven Crossley, Jimmy Faria, Min Shen, Daniel E. Resasco, Solid Nanoparticles that Catalyze Biofuel
Upgrade Reactions at the Water/Oil Interface, Science Vol. 327. no. 5961, pp. 68 - 72 (2010)
David J. Cole-Hamilton, Janus Catalysts Direct Nanoparticle Reactivity, Science Vol. 327. no. 5961,
pp. 41 - 42 (2010)

H o t T e ch n o l o gi e s

Hot Technologies
Nanotechnology-based Protective Facial Masks for Swine Flu Control
Novel H1N1 (swine flu) is a new deadly influenza virus
causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from
person-to-person worldwide at an alarming rate. The
spread of the virus between humans is believed to be
largely through sneezing and coughing, and people
touching their own nose and mouth after touching
something with the virus on it. Therefore, there are a
number of preventive measures one has to take to
prevent the spread of the disease.

a mask to trap and kill the H1N1 virus, and thereby

provide guaranteed protection against swine flu.
Nanotechnology can provide the right solution to
address this issue. Leading facemask manufacturers
and researchers are now coming forward to take up
this challenge with the aid of nanotechnology. The
active players currently associated with development
and commercialization of nano-based face masks are
introduced below.

The facemasks provide some help in preventing those

who have the flu from spreading the virus, which
is typically carried through droplets in coughs and
sneezes. Unfortunately, these masks are not airtight
and, therefore, ineffective when it comes to protecting
uninfected individuals from inhaling the virus.

NanoMask Inc.,

It has been widely reported that the kind of mask

needed to protect against the H1N1 flu virus is of
the N95 respirator variety. This fits more tightly to
the face and apparently filters 95% of small particles
when correctly fitted. Although these masks may
provide some help in avoiding infection during flu
pandemic, there is difference of opinion regarding their
effectiveness as the flu virus may be small enough
(~0.1 m) to pass through and the respirators may
not provide guaranteed protection against infection
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/
article/2006/04/27).
In view of the above limitations of the ordinary face
masks and respirators, there is a need to develop

H1N1 Influenza Virus

Courtesy: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA

708 Industrial Park Drive Manteca, CA 95337

info@ nanomaskinc.com, http://www.nanomaskinc.com

Douglas Heath, President & CEO

NanoMask, Inc., formerly Emergency Filtration Products
Inc., is engaged in developing, marketing, and
producing its NanoMask product. The company is a
specialty filter products company that has developed an
air filtration technology for removing infectious bacteria
and viruses in air flow systems. The company produces
masks and filters for medical devices designed to
reduce the possibility of transmission of contagious
diseases. The company is also a distributor of a blood
clotting device for surgery, trauma and burn wound
management.
Product: NanoMask: An anti-viral disposable protective
facial mask
Proposed Technology Focus: NanoMask filters will
be based on the companys core 2H TechnologyTM
filtration system, which utilizes a combination of
hydrophobic and hydrophilic filters, able to capture
and isolate bacterial and viral microorganisms with
efficiencies of 99.99%. The NanoMask utilizes the
companys patented 2H TechnologyTM and nanotechnology to enhance the capture-and-isolation
characteristics of the filter media.
Plan of Action: NanoMask Inc. is collaborating with
Intrinsiq Materials (www.intrinsiqmaterials.com) for
the development of an anti-viral, disposable version
of the NanoMask, a protective filtration face mask.
Nano Mask Inc. will seek regulatory approval to make
the product available in the U.S.A. shortly. Intrinsiq
Materials is incorporating its anti-microbial technology
(implemented through Tesima- the high temperature
DC plasma process to produce inorganic nanoparticles such as Cu, Ag, Ti, single and mixed oxides,

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

carbides, nitrides etc.) into the NanoMask and will

evaluate its effectiveness against pathogens such as
H1N1 virus, H5N1 avian flu virus and two other bacteria.
Source: http://www.emergencyfiltration.com/
press_5.html

Applied Nanoscience Inc.,

1902. Wright Place, Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92008

tallen.apnn@att.n, http://www.appliednanoscience.com

Thomas Allen, President & CEO

Applied Nanoscience Inc. (ANI) is a nanotechnology
based filtration products company. It is owner of the
IP platform, NEFTTM (Nanoparticle-Enhanced Filtration
Technology), which is targeted to destroy bacteria,
fungi, and virus. ANI currently holds issued patents in
Australia, India, New Zealand, Russia, Singpore and
Taiwan covering a broad use of nanotechnologies
related to air filtration.
Product: Disposable protective mask based on
NanoFenseTM technology.
Proposed Technology Focus: ANI will incorporate
their proprietary NanoFenseTM technology, based on
antimicrobial silver nano-particle formulation (U.S.
patent pending), in the disposable protective mask
being developed. It has been tested as a coating on
face masks and has been validated to be effective
against a broad spectrum of viruses (including avian flu
strain H9N2) and bacteria (including MRSA) by multiple
independent BSL-3 laboratories in the USA. ANI will
be testing the NanoFenseTM formulation against H1N1
virus shortly.
Plan of Action: ANI has signed a joint venture
agreement with an undisclosed company from Asia
Pacific region for the production of NanoFenseTM
protective face mask. The product will be launched
in non-U.S. markets. Initial production will be 30,000
masks/day, with the capability of scaling up to 90,000
masks/day employing newly installed automatic
equipment.
Source: http://www.appliednanoscience.com/about.html

Filligent (HK) Limited,

7th Floor, 69 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

joanne.ooi@filligent.com, http://www.filligent.com

Ms. Joanne Ooi, Chief Marketing Officer

Filligent Ltd. is a Hong Kong based biotech company
that develops advanced and cost effective smart
filtration technologies designed to combat the
transmission of diseases. Its pollution abatement
products provide protection against the adverse health
effects of various forms of pollution, such as air and
water pollution, including bird flu and tobacco smoke.

Product: BioMaskTM
Proposed Technology Focus: BioMaskTM is based
on BioFriendTM technology of Filligent Company
Ltd. It destroys viruses and bacteria such as H1N1,
MRSA, SARS, and Bird Flu, on contact. This molecular
technology can be applied in the form of a coating
on various substrates like rayon and cotton fiber. It
mimics the oligosaccharide sites on human cells to
which microbes normally attach; the device mimes
the terminal sialic acid residue on the surface
oligosaccharide of a cell membrane. Once bound, the
pathogen is then destroyed by embedded copper and
zinc ions which impair their cell walls and disturb their
normal metabolism.
Plan of Action: This technology was developed in
2008 and, until recently, this European Conformance
(CE) certified specialist mask was available to medical
and health professionals only. However, now these
Biomasks are available at Asias leading drugstore
chain, Watsons.
Source: http://medgadget.com/archives/2009/07/
filligents_biomask_made_available_otc_in_asia.html
WO2007093808A, 2007-08-23, Virucidal Materials,
Queen Mary & Westfield College, Qinetiq
Nanomaterials Ltd., and Retroscreen Virology Ltd.

Nexera Medical Ltd.

1201-11871 Horseshoe Way, Richmond, British Columbia,

Canada, V7A5H5, http://www.nexeramed.com

Paul Sallarulo, President / CEO / Chairman

Nexera Medical Ltd. is a developer, manufacturer and
distributor of antimicrobial textile products worldwide.
They are dedicated to developing health care related
medical products that provide maximum antimicrobial
protection against microorganisms such as bacteria,
virus and fungus.
Product: SpectraShieldTM N99 reusable respirator
mask
Proposed Technology Focus: The SpectraShield
mask is the only commercially available antimicrobial
respirator mask made from AgiON Technology
employed by Fosshield, incorporating silver and
copper zeolite compounds which are permanently
embedded into the fibers of the mask. The
SpectraShield mask was subjected to rigorous
microbial testing for bacteria and viruses in the U.S.
and Europe. The final test results were shown to
kill or inactivate a variety of bacteria and viruses,
up to 99.9%, including the Swine Flu, the Bird Flu,
SARS, Tuberculosis, Influenza A, MRSA, and more.
The SpectraShield mask has also been tested for
reusability and can be worn up to 28 days without
loosing its filtration or antimicrobial efficacy. The

H o t T e ch n o l o gi e s

SpectraShield mask has received regulatory approval

and a CE mark in the European Union, and has
received a license for sale in Canada, but is not yet
available in the U.S.
Plan of Action: Nexera holds a technology license
for the exclusive worldwide use of Fosshield in any
medical device that can be manufactured from that
technology. Fosshield is a proprietary patented
antimicrobial fiber and fabric technology developed
and owned exclusively by Foss Manufacturing, LLC,
located in Hampton, NH.
Source: http://www.fossmfg.com/ne_pr042709.cfm
(http://www.mechdir.com/press/catalog/1008/
index.html)

MVP Textiles & Apparels

1031 Legrand Blvd, Charleston, SC 29492-7673

http://www.manta.com/c/mttlk81/mvp-textiles-apparel-inc

Mary V. Propes, President

MVP Textiles and Apparel, Inc, USA has developed
a face mask, which acts as an effective barrier and
prevents the transmission of harmful infections including
H1N1 virus, based on its Antimicrobial Filtration
Technology (US Patent No. 7,520,923 B2).
Product: Silver Shield N95 cone masks

Proposed Technology Focus: In Silver Shield N95

cone masks, air permeable filtration layer is treated
with oligodynamic metal like silver and/or salt of
oligodynamic metal. The presence of this oligodynamic
metal/salt renders the mask very effective against
a broad spectrum of microbes. The sustained
release of silver ions creates a favorable environment
by protecting the mask from bioaccumulation of
pathogens. They are 99.9% efficient in filtering bacteria
and virus.
Plan of Action: Silver Shield N95 cone masks have
been commercialized and available in market through
distributors. These masks meet or exceed the filtration
standard for NIOSH N95 designation (an efficiency
rating that means the mask blocks about 95% percent
of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger), and
the standards for workers treating airbone disease set
by CDC and WHO.
Source: http://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?
WO=2008118371
http://www.medicalsuppliesblog.com/2009/09/15/whatin-the-world-is-a-niosh-certified-n95-mask/
http://ww-catalog.com/wp-shop-us/2009/08/
antimicrobial-face-mask-type-n95-with-silver-shieldcone-style-box20-2/

Indian Scientist Develops a New Technology to Combat Swine Flu

Srinivasan Gopalakrishnan, MD of Hydrodrive Systems and Controls, Chennai has developed
a nanofilter mask technology to fight swine flu virus. This technology is capable of inactivating
the H1N1 virus on contact with the copper nano surface. He claims that, unlike conventional air
filtration devices, this system simulates the production of fresh air by destroying the airborne
viruses present in private, work and public spaces within a matter of minutes. He further states that
the unit is adaptable for a range of domestic, commercial and medical applications and it can be
incorporated within large ventilation systems used for healthcare and domestic applications.
The unit is capable of creating an open air flow enriched with hydroxyl radicals, to destroy
microbes including flu, and cold causing viruses and bacteria, both in air and on contact with
the surfaces. Hydroxyl radicals are found naturally in outdoor fresh air, in particularly high
concentrations in mountains and forests.
It is of interest to note that Professor Bill Keevil of University of Southampton had announced at
the BLT Life Sciences 2nd Annual World Summit on Antivirals in Beijing, China held during July,
2009, that copper is a very potent anti-viral ingredient against the influenza A viruses like H1N1.
According to him, the use of copper as a surface material in key public places such as hospitals,
kitchens and hotels offers great potential to actively inhibit the growth of viruses, bacteria and
fungi, and also substantially restrict and reduce the spread of swine flu epidemic.
Sources: http://www.odisha.in/news/ARTICLE/2118/2009-08.14.html (14 August, 2009)
http://www.physorg.co/news167574621.html (23 July, 2009)

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

Technology Watch
Nano- Engineered Steels for Structural Applications
Steel is one of the most widely used engineering
materials in the world. Its pre-eminent position
amongst the engineering materials arises due to the
abundance and low cost of its main constituent, i.e.
iron, and its amenability to produce a wide variety of
engineered microstructures with superior properties,
and recyclability.
Currently, there is a growing awareness about the
potential benefits of nanotechnology in the modern
engineering industry, and a number of leading R & D
institutes and companies are pursuing research in
the area of nanostructured steels. The focus of the
ongoing efforts has been largely manipulation of
microstructures at the nano-scale through innovative
processing techniques and adoption of novel
alloying strategies. This is being aided by employing
advanced characterization methods like high resolution
transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), atom
probe tomography (APT) etc. and computational
design of materials.
Steel is synonymous with strength. The theoretical
strength of steel is 27.30 GPa (in <111> direction).
There are two ways of achieving ultra high strength in
steels. The first one is to reduce the size of a crystal to
such an extent that it is devoid of any defects, like in
the case of a whisker. Brenner in 1956 could achieve
a tensile strength of greater than 13 GPa in an iron
whisker. The second alternative is to introduce a very
large density of defects in a metal sample that act as

an obstacle to the motion of dislocations. This has

been illustrated by drawing high carbon pearlitic steel
wire, which is subjected to intense plastic deformation,
thereby, introducing dense dislocation substructure.
The carbon steel wire is a remarkable example of
nanostructured steel produced on a mass scale. The
strengthening arises due to the presence of nanoscale
cementite/ferrite lamellar structure. The ferrite phase
in this structure contains very high dislocation density
and supersaturated carbon atoms, and the cementite
phase contains amorphous and nano-crystalline
regions. The high carbon steel wire is an important
engineering material used for reinforcing automobile
tires, galvanized wires for suspension bridges and
power cable wires. In fact, the suspension cables of
the worlds largest suspension bridge, Akashi Strait
Bridge built in Japan in the year 1998, were made of
pearlitic steel wires of 1800 MPa strength. To inhibit
softening during hot-dip galvanizing, high-Si and high
Si-Cr steel wires have also been developed for highstrength galvanized suspension-bridge wires. Similarly,
the pearlitic wire for automobile tyre cords exhibits
strengths of about 4000 MPa.
The main challenge in realizing the immense potential
of nano-engineered steels is to manufacture large
components of bulk nanocrystalline steel having
superior properties and at a reasonable cost. To meet
this challenge, a number of innovative approaches are
being developed to produce nanostructured steels, as
shown in Fig. 1. The different processing strategies and
alloy development aspects being currently explored
for the manufacture of nanostructured steels are briefly
outlined below.

Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD) Processing

SPD processing is one of the promising routes for
grain size refinement to nano-scale levels. Nontraditional processes, such as equal channel angular
processing (ECAP), accumulative roll bonding, torsion
under very high pressures, multiple compressions
etc. have been developed for this purpose. The
ultra-fine (<1m) grain sizes lead to exceptionally
high strengths in conventional steels; however, there
is a drastic reduction in tensile ductility, especially
uniform elongation in tension. Therefore, a number
of processing routes are being developed for the
improvement of ductility.

10

t e ch n o l o g y w a t ch

Thermomechanical Controlled Processing

(TMCP)
TMCP is based on microstructure control during
hot rolling and subsequent cooling. Many of the
microstructural events are controlled at the micron level
while other events like precipitation hardening are at
the nano-scale level of control.

Nanostructured Steels with High Work

Hardening Rate by Exploitation of TWIP Effect
The high-manganese TWIP steels are subjected
to plastic straining to introduce thermally stable
nanometre-scale mechanical twins in the structure.
Subsequent recovery treatment results in an excellent
combination of high yield and ultimate tensile
strengths, and work hardening.

Phase-reversion Induced Nano-grained/Ultrafine Grained Steels

Microstructures comprising an optimized combination
of nano- and ultra-fine grains are obtained in austenitic
stainless steels by controlled annealing of heavily
cold-worked metastable austenite. Reversion annealing
of strain-induced martensite in severely deformed
metastable austenitic steels results in nano-grained/
ultra-fine grained structures with excellent combination
of strength and ductility.

Computational Designing of Steels

A new class of martensitic stainless steels are being
developed by following a systems design approach.
This approach combines predictive control of the alloy
chemistry, transformation temperatures, cryogenic
treatment and multi-step aging to produce radically
new high-strength, high toughness corrosion resistant
stainless steels.

Devitrification of Glassy Ferrous Alloys

Metallic glasses based on the specialized formulation
of ferrous alloys have been developed. These glasses
are subjected to devitrification treatment by subsequent
heating above crystallization temperature to obtain
nanoscale microstructures. These amorphous steels
can also be used in the form of powders to produce
amorphous/nanocomposite thermally sprayed coatings
to enhance the wear and corrosion resistance of
engineering components.

Advanced ODS Ferritic and Martensitic Steels

Ferritic or martensitic alloy powders are ball milled with
Y2O3 and subsequently compacted and hot extruded
to obtain nano-structured ferrous alloys. These alloys
contain a large number density of ultra-fine cluster of
atoms containing predominantly Y, O and Ti, called
nano-clusters, which resist coarsening and prevent
grain growth following isothermal aging.

Mechanical Alloying and Consolidation

Mechanical alloying via high energy ball milling of
iron and carbon powders (or other alloying elements)
is carried out and the powders are subsequently
consolidated by various techniques such as spark
plasma sintering, warm compaction, HIP etc.
This approach can result in nano-crystalline/ultrafine grained structures with excellent mechanical
properties.

Combination of TRIP Effect with Maraging

Treatment
This approach combines the TRIP mechanism with
maraging treatment in a Fe-Mn base alloy system.
These steels contain a low-carbon martensitic matrix
with precipitates of intermetallic (Ni, Ti, Al, Mo) nanoparticles.

Surface Nanocrystallization of Steels

A nanostructured surface layer can be fabricated by
subjecting the steels to various surface treatment
techniques, such as ultrasonic shot peening and
surface mechanical attrition treatments (SMAT). SMAT
provides a simple, flexible and low cost approach to
enhance the bulk properties of steels, without any
change in the chemical composition.

Advanced Bainitic Steels by Low Temperature

Isothermal Transformation
New generation bainitic steels (e.g. Fe-0.98C-1.46Si1.89Mn-0.26 Mo-1.26Cr- 0.09V) are designed using
detailed phase transformation theory for the bainitic
reaction. The bainitic transformation occurs at low
temperatures (200300oC), which avoids the diffusion
of iron or any substitutional solutes. As a consequence,
the plates of bainite are extremely slender, 20 40 nm
thick, making the steel very strong.

TRIPLEX Steels
TRIPLEX steels are designed on the basis of Fe-MnC-Al with Al > 8%. Mn is usually > 19%. The alloy
consists of an austenitic FCC matrix and about 8%
ferrite and nano-size k-carbides regularly distributed
in the FCC matrix in an orderly fashion. The TRIPLEX
alloys exhibit low density, high strength level, excellent
formability and high energy absorption capacity.
Nanostructured steels, on account of their
outstanding strength, high toughness, remarkable
corrosion resistance, excellent erosion and wear
resistance etc. have significant potential to improve
the performance of various systems. By virtue of the
above, they are also likely to have a major impact in
a variety of sectors including defence, aerospace,
transportation, power, construction, infrastructure
and medical.
11

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

Key Benefits and Market Drivers for Nanostructured Steels:

Key Benefits

Market Drivers

Increased strength levels

(ultra-fine grain size steels)

Transportation Sector:22, 25-27, 30

Vehicle weight reduction, increase in fuel efficiency and
corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions.

High toughness and high ductility at higher

strength levels (TRIP-Maraging Steels)

Transportation Sector:10, 11, 20

Lighter vehicles with improved impact resistance and safer to
drive. Improved formability leading to lower processing costs.

Greater degree of radiation induced

embrittlement resistance, greater survivability in
neutron radiation environment and higher creep
strength (nano-cluster strengthened ODS ferritic
alloys)

Nuclear Industry:21, 28, 29

(FBRs and Fusion Reactors) Higher operating temperatures
would help in improving economic performance and provide
means to support thermo-chemical production of hydrogen.
Also would result in higher safety, reliability and reduced
emissions.

Improved erosion, corrosion and wear resistance

(devitrified glassy ferrous alloys)

Power Generation, Mining, Cement and Concrete

Industries: http://www.nanosteelco.com
Improved performance and extended service life.

Enhanced corrosion resistance for high strength/

high toughness steels (Nano-precipitation
strengthened computationally designed steels)

Aerospace and Navy (Landing gear and other Aircraft and

Naval Components): http://www.questek.com
Eliminates the need of providing toxic and carcinogenic
cadmium coating, which prevents the problems of hydrogen
embrittlement and stress corrosion cracking associated with
Cd plating.

Fig. 1: Routes to Produce Nanostructured Steels

12

t e ch n o l o g y w a t ch

Applications of Nanostructured Steels

Application

Example

Defence

Ballistic armour

Aerospace

Aircraft landing gears

Medical

Surgical needles and clips

Sports

Mountain bicycle frames

Consumer

Razors for shaving machine

Oil and Gas

Pipeline steels for the transportation of natural gas

Nuclear

Fuel cladding tubes for nuclear reactors

Infrastructure

Concrete reinforcing rebars

Power

Advanced exhaust components for heavy duty diesel engines

Automotive

Automobile body-structural and safety parts, chassis and suspension parts and TWBs

Industrial

Cutting tools and bearings

Key Players
Currently, interest in nanostructured steels is just beginning to gather momentum. However, with the entry of industrial
giants like Nippon Steel, Sandvik, Arcelor Mittal, Exxon, JFE Steel and others, there is a good scope that broader
industrial adoption could occur in the near future. Moreover, some of the new players such as QuesTek Innovations,
Max Planck Institute for Steel Research, MMFX Technologies and Cambridge University are able to demonstrate
significantly greater benefits in nanostructured steels at a reasonable cost with their innovative approaches and this
is likely to change the scenario quickly. A few key players active in the field of nanostructured steels are listed below:
The NanoSteel Company, Inc., U.S.A.
Technology: Has developed nanostructured ferrous alloys by devitrification of metallic glass. The alloys are
used in the form of thermal spray coatings or weld overlay to tackle the problems of wear, corrosion, erosion etc.
QuesTek Innovations LLC, U.S.A.
Technology: Has developed computationally designed high strength and environmentally friendly corrosion
resistant steels.
Sandvik Materials Technology, Sweden
Technology: Has developed nanostructured Nanoflex stainless steels.
JFE Steel Corp., Japan
Technology: Has developed hot rolled, high strength nanosize carbide precipitation strengthened
NANOHITEN steel for automobile industry.
Kawasaki Steel Corp., Japan
Technology: Has developed non-heat treated ultra-low carbon, Cu precipitation strengthened bainitic steels
produced by thermo-mechanical precipitation control process (TPCP).
Kobelco Research Inc., (Kobe Steel), Japan
Technology: Has developed ODS 9Cr martensitic steel (12YWT) for fuel cladding tubes of nuclear reactor.

13

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

Exxon Mobil Upstream Research Co., U.S.A.

Technology: Has developed high strength pipeline steel for the transportation of natural gas in collaboration
with Nippon Steel and Mitsui & Co. It is 20-50% stronger than the currently used pipeline steel. A mile-long
section in the TransCanada Pipeline utilizes this nano-steel under -40oC temperature conditions.
MMFX Technology Corp., U.S.A.
Technology: Has developed the microcomposite Fe/Cr/Mn/C steels with superior combination of strengthtoughness-corrosion properties for concrete members reinforced with high-strength rebars.
Nippon Steel Corp., Japan
Technology: Has developed nanostructured steels for various applications: Fatigue resistant steels containing
Cu nano-precipitates for transportation and bridges High strength steels with resistance to delayed fracture (by
hydrogen trapping with nano-size precipitates) for bolts to be used in automobiles and high-rise buildings
High HAZ toughness steel HTUFF using nano-size dispersion of oxides and /or sulfides High strength steel
wires for reinforcing automobile tires, galvanized wires for suspension bridges and power cable wires.

Intellectual Property Scenario

Since the technologies pertaining to nanostructured steels are mainly based on process innovations, they are
relatively difficult to actually protect despite the legal cover that patents are intended to provide. Therefore, the
technology developers are often inclined to maintain trade secrets rather than rely on patents for protection. This
strategy helps them in avoiding IP conflicts and also protects their technologies from being exploited in other
countries where IP protection is weak. Of course, this strategy makes the producers vulnerable if a competitor
develops a similar process independently (Lux Research Inc., 2006). Notwithstanding the above, the following
patents relating to nanostructured steels are pertinent to mention:
Title: Precipitation hardenable martensitic stainless steel
Patent Number: US 2008 / 0210344 A1 Filing / Publication Date: Dec.22, 2005 / Sep.4, 2008
Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB, Sweden
Inventor(s): Hikan Holmberg, Sweden
Key Features: A precipitation hardenable stainless Cr-Ni steel with high strength, high ductility and excellent
formability. Exhibits very good corrosion resistance and finds applications as springs, surgical needles, dental
instruments etc.
Title: Nanocarbide precipitation strengthened ultra-high strength, corrosion resistant structural steels
Patent Number: WO 03 / 018856 A2
Filing / Publication Date: Feb.11, 2002 / Mar.6, 2003
Assignee: Questek Innovations LLC, USA
Inventor(s): Kuehmann, Charless, J., Olson, Gregory, B., Jou, Heing-Jeng, USA
Key Features: Ultra-high strength (UTS > 1930 MPa) precipitation strengthened structural steel possesses
out-standing combination of corrosion resistance and strength. The alloy is strengthened by nano-scale M2C
carbides. Potential applications include aircraft landing gear, machinery and tools used in hostile environment
Title: Nano-composite martensitic steels
Patent Number: EP 1 461 466 B1
Filing / Publication Date: Dec.12, 2002 / July 23, 2008
Assignee: MMFX Technologies Corp., USA
Inventor(s): Ku Sinski, Gregorz, J., Pollack, David, Thomas, Gareth
Key Features: Steel alloys with high strength, toughness and cold formability. Unique microcomposite micro
structure comprising of nano sheets of austenite between laths of dislocated martensite. Highly corrosion
resistant steels resulting in extended service life of rebar in corrosive environments.

14

t e ch n o l o g y w a t ch

Title: High strength hot rolled steel sheet and method for manufacturing the same
Patent Number: US 7527700 B2
Filing / Publication Date: April 21, 2004 / May 5, 2009
Assignee: JFE Steel Corp., Japan
Inventor(s): Nobusuke Kariya, Shusaku Takagi, Tetsuo Shimizu, Tetsuya Mega, Kei Sakata, Hiroshi Takahashi
Key Features: High strength ( 780MPa) hot rolled steel sheet with low carbon (0.04 to 0.15% C) having
excellent elongation and stretch flangeability. Microstructure comprising nano-scale ( 20nm) Ti-Mo carbide
precipitates within ferrite matrix. The steel sheet is suitable for reinforcing members of automobile cabin and
crash worthiness member of automobile.
Title: Process for forming a Nano-crystalline steel sheet
Patent Number: US 7449074 B2
Filing / Publication Date: April 28, 2005 / Nov. 11, 2008
Assignee: The Nano Company, Inc., USA
Inventor(s): Daniel James Branagan
Key Features: Special iron based metallic glass forming alloys are formed into a nano-crystalline steel sheet
by rapid solidification of molten alloy using counter-rotating casting rolls. The resulting alloy can show tensile
strength between 3.16 to 6.12 GPa.
Title: Ultra-high strength, weblable steels with excellent ultra-low temperature toughness
Patent Number: US 6264760 B1
Filing / Publication Date: July 28, 1998 / July 24, 2001
Assignee: Exxon Mobil Upstream Research Co., USA and Nippon Steel Corp., Japan
Inventor(s): Hiroshi Temehiro, Hitoshi Asahi, Takuya Hara, Yoshio Terada, Japan and Michael J. Luton, Jayoung
Koo, Narasimha Rao V. Bangaru, Clifford W. Petersen, USA
Key Features: The invention relates to ultra-high strength, weldable steel plate with superior toughness, and to
fabricated linepipe from this steel. The steels contain nano-precipitates of carbides or carbonitrides of V, Nb and
Mo which resist HAZ softening and minimize the localized loss of strength.
Title: Nano structured steel alloy
Patent Number: US 5589011
Filing / Publication Date: Feb. 15, 1995 / Dec. 31, 1996
Assignee: The University of Connecticut, USA
Inventor(s): Kenneth E. Gonsalves, USA
Key Features: The invention relates to nanostructured M50 type steel synthesized by chemical methods, which
has improved mechanical and physical properties such as hardness, strength and durability. The steel finds
particular utility in the manufacture of cutting tools and bearings.

Challenges
The nanostructured steels (particularly, manufactured by SPD processing) exhibit extraordinary strength levels.
However, their ductility is inadequate, and therefore, makes them unsuitable for certain applications. This drawback
is a major hurdle in bringing nanostructured steels from laboratory to commercialization. In view of this, it is of
paramount importance that innovative approaches are developed to improve the ductility of nanostructured steels.
Consequently, nanostructured steels require non-traditional processing methods and specialized machinery, which
calls for significant investments and application development to make them commercially viable.

Key Publications
1.

Tatsuo Yokoi, Manabu Takahashi, Naoki Maruyama,

Masaaki Sugiyama, Application of Controlled Cu NanoPrecipitation for Improvement in Fatigue Properties of
Steels, Nippon Steel Technical Report, No.91, January
2005, 49-55

2.

Kazukuni Hase, Toshiyuki Hoshino, Keniti Amano, New

Extremely Low Carbon Bainitic High-Strength Steel Bar
Having Excellent Machinability and Toughness Produced
by TPCP Technology Originally published in Kawasaki
Steel Giho, 34, (2002)1-6

15

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

3.

R. Song, D. Ponge, D. Raabe, J.G. Speer, D.K. Matlock,

Overview of Processing, Microstructure and Mechanical
Properties of Ultrafine Grained bcc Steels, Materials
Science and Engineering, A 441, (2006) 1-17

18. X.D. Wang, N. Zhong Y.H. Rong, and T.Y. Hsu, Novel
Ultrahigh-strength Nanolath Martensitic Steel by
Quenching-Partitioning-Tempering Process, J. Mater.
Res., 24, (2009) 260-267

4.

Peter D Hodgson, Llana B. Timokhina, Hossein Beladi,

Llchat Sabirov and Elena V Pereloma, Nanostructural
Engineering of Steel, Simpro08, December 09-11,
(2008), Ranchi, INDIA., 224-236

5.

F.G. Caballero, H.K.D.H. Bhadeshia, Very Strong

Bainite, Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials
Science, 8, (2004) 251257

19. C.A.D. Rodrigues, P.L.D. Lorenzo, A.Sokolowski,

C.A. Barbosa, J.M.D.A. Rollo, Titanium and
Molybdenum Content in Supermartensitic Stainless
Steel, Materials Science and Engineering, A 460-461,
(2007) 149-152

6.

C. Garcia-Mateo and F.G. Caballero, Ultra-HighStrength Bainitic Steels, Isij International, 45, (2005)
1736-1740

7.

H.K.D.H.Bhadeshia, Bulk Nanocrystalline Steel, Iron

Making and Steel Making, 32, (2005) 405

8.

T. Roland, D. Retraint, K. Lu, J. Lu, Enhanced

Mechanical Behavior of a Nanocrystallised Stainless
Steel and its Thermal Stability Materials Science and
Engineering A, 445-446, (2007) 281-288

9.

Z.B. Wang and K. Lu, Surface Nanocrystallization

Engineering: Science and Industrial Potential,
International Heat Treatment and Surface Engineering,
1, (2007) 39-46

10. Olivier Bouaziz, The Ductilities in Single Phase Steels

from Usual to Nanoscale Microstructures, Advanced
Engineering Materials, 11, (2009) 767-770
11. O. Bouaziz, C.P.Scott and G. Petitgand, Nanostructured
Steel with High Work-hardening by the Exploitation of
the Thermal Stability of Mechanically Induced Twins,
Scripta Materialia, 60, (2009) 714-716
12. D.J. Branagan, Engineering Structures to Achieve
Targeted Properties in Steels on a Nanoscale
Level, Computer Coupling of Phase Diagrams and
Thermochemistry, 31, (2007) 343-350
13. Daniel J. Branagan,, Alla V. Sergueeva and Amiya K.
Mukherjee, Towards the Development of a New Iron
Age, Advanced Engineering Materials, 8, (2009)
940-943
14. R.D.K. Misra, S. Nayak, S.A. Mali, J.S. Shah,
M.C. Somani and L.P. Karjalainen, Microstructure
and Deformation Behavior of Phase-Reversion-Induced
Nanograined / Ultrafine-Grained Austenitic Stainless
Steel, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and
ASM International, 40A, (2009) 2498
15. G.B. Olson, Advances in Theory: Martensite by
Design, Materials Science and Engineering A, 438-440,
(2006) 48-54
16. S. Goto, R. Kirchheim, T. al-Kassab, C. Borchers,
Application of Cold Drawn Lamellar Microstructure
for Developing Ultra-high Strength Wires, Trans.
Nonferrous Met. Soc. China, 17, (2007) 1129-1138
17. Toshimi Tarui, Jun Takahashi, Hitoshi Tashiro, Nacki
Maruyama, Seiki Nishida, Microstructure Control and
Strengthening of High-carbon Steel Wires, Nippon
Steel, Technical Report No. 91, (2005) 56-61

16

20. Dierk Raabe, Dirk Ponge, Olga Dmitrieva and Benedikt

Sander, Designing Ultrahigh Strength Steels with Good
Ductility by Combining Transformation Induced Plasticity
and Martensite Aging, Advanced Engineering Materials,
11, (2009) 547-555
21. S. Ukai, T. Kaito, S. Ohtsuka, T. Narita, M. Fujiwara,
T. Kobayashi, Production and Properties of Nano-scale
Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) 9Cr Martensitic Steel
Claddings, ISIJ International, 43, (2003) 2038-2045
22. Yi Hai-long, Du Lin-xiu, Wang Guo-dong, Liu Xinghua,
Strengthening Mechanism of a New 700 MPa Hot
Rolled High Strength Steel, Journal of Iron and Steel
Research International, 15, (2008) 76-80
23. D. Raabe, D, Ponge, O. Dimitrieva and B. Sander,
Nanoprecipitate-hardened 1.5 GPa Steels with
Unexpected High Ductility, Scripta Materilia, 60, (2009)
1141-1144
24. S. Rajasekhara, M. C. Somani, M. Koljonen, P. J. Ferreira,
L. P. Karjalainen, A. Kyrolainen, Submicron/Nano
Grained Stainless Steels with Superior Mechanical
Properties, Mater. Res. Soc. Symp. Proc., 903E, (2006)
25. I. B. Timokhina, P. D. Hodgson, S. P. Ringer, R. K. Zheng
and E. V. Pereloma, Nano-scale Microstructured
Characterization of Modern High Strength Steels for the
Automotive Industry, Intl. Conference on Microalloyed
Steels: Processing, Microstructure, Properties and
Performance, (2007) 305-312
26. Shimizi Tetsuo, Funakawa Yoshimasa, Kaneko Shinjiro,
High Strength Steel Sheets for Automobile Suspension
and Chassis Use-High Strength Hot-Rolled Steel
Sheets with Excellent Press Formability and Durability
for Critical Safety Parts, JFE Technical Report No. 4,
(2004) 22-27
27. Y. Funakawa, T. Shiozaki, K. Tomita, T. Yamamoto and
E. Maeda, Development of High Strength Hot-rolled
Sheet Steel Consisting of Ferrite and Nanometer-sized
Carbides, ISIJ International, 44, (2004) 1945-1951
28. S. Ukai and S. Ohtsuka, Nanomesoscopic Structure
Control in 9Cr-ODS Ferritic Steels, Energy Materials,
2, (2007) 26-35
29. D. A. McClintock, D. T. Hoelzer, M. A. Sokolov and
R. K. Nanstad, Mechanical Properties of Neutron
Irradiated Nanostructured Ferritc Alloy 14YWT,
Journal of Nuclear Materials, 386-388, (2009) 307-311
30. E. Mazancova, Z. Jonsta and K. Mazanec, Properites
of High Manganese Fe-Mn-Al-C Alloys, Archives of
Materials Science, 28, (2007) 90-94

N a n o t e ch P a t e n t s R o u n d u p

Nanotech Patents Roundup

Status of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Composites Patent Analysis (April 30, 08 - May 1, 09)
The superior mechanical and physical properties
of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) provide tremendous
opportunities for developing a new class of
supercomposites. Actually, the uniqueness of CNTs
also stems from their other desirable properties for
electrical, thermal, magnetic and optical applications.
These properties enable development of structural and
multifunctional composites for a variety of applications,
such as sporting equipment, displays, auto parts,
conductive polymers, fibers and yarns, batteries, super
capacitors, thermal management systems etc.
The market for CNT-composite is growing at a rapid rate.
According to a BCC report published in 2007, the global
CNT-composite market was 43 million US$ in 2006 and
the projected market in 2010 was estimated to be 451
million US$, with an average annual growth rate of 80%.
In the present brief report, an attempt has been made
to provide a snapshot of the status of development
in the field of CNT-composites. For this purpose, the
patent analysis was carried out using the keywords
((CNT AND COMPOSITE*) OR (CARBON NANOTUBE*
AND COMPOSITE*)) covering the period April 30th
2008 to May 1st 2009. The analysis covered USPTO,
European patent (EP) Office, WO World IPO and JP
Japan. (Source: www.delphion.com)

(Analysis based on Patent INSIGHT Pro Software)

Fig. 1: CNT composite patent filings and issuances

according to the main area of the inventions

As shown in Fig. 1, the key focus areas of patents

relating to CNT-composites are synthesis & processing,
composition, and applications. The largest number of
patents pertain to applications, and this is indicative
of the perceived immense commercial importance of
CNT-composites.

Based on an analysis of the available patents, the prominent compositions, synthesis routes and applications
of CNT Composites are summarized below:

17

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

above category. Here, Samsung Electronics of Korea

shows its pre-eminent position being the world leader
in field emission devices and displays.

Fig. 2: Segmentation of CNT composite applications based

on patents granted and published patent applications

Fig. 2 shows the segmentation of application fields

based on the patent analysis. The focus of the patent
activity is primarily on structural, electrical/electronics
and energy related areas. Energy-related applications
include batteries, super capacitors, fuel cells and solar
cells. Out of all these areas, structural or mechanical
applications of CNT composites appear to be of
greatest interest from a commercial point of view. Field
emission devices, sensors and actuators are also key
areas of activity in this field.

* Includes memory, membranes, adhesives, coatings and films, fabrics,

MEMS, contrast medium, transduces

Fig. 3: Segmentation of applications and distribution of

priority countries (based on number of patents granted
and published patent applications) for CNT composites

Fig. 3 compares filing and issue of patents in various

countries in the area of CNT-composite applications.
As can be seen, the USA is on the top in almost all
the segments, followed by Japan, Korea, China and
Europe as far as the overall applications of CNTcomposites are concerned. However, Korea is leading
in the area of field emission or electron emitter devices.
The reason for this is obvious if one examines Fig. 4
which depicts the top 20 assignees of patents in the
Acknowledgement: Ms. Priya Mathews, ARCI, Hyderabad
for Patent Analysis

18

Fig. 4: Number of CNT composite patents granted /

published patent applications for top 20 assignees

An Ultimate Fiber:

Neat SWNT Fiber

Researchers from Rice University, University of
Pennsylvania and Technion Israel Institute of
Technology have developed a processing route
to produce ultra strong, stiff and tough carbon
nanotube fibers on an industrial scale.
This revolutionary method is an outcome of
9 years of intensive research. The process
essentially, involves dissolving the pure carbon
nanotubes in a highly acidic solvent like
chlorosulfonic acid. The CNTs in this solution
tend to align themselves to form liquid crystals.
These aligned CNT complexes, dispersed in
an acid solution, are spun into monofilament
fibers. In principle, the process has the
potential to produce nanotube fibers, which
could be 100 times stronger than Kevlar fibers.
There are two noteworthy advantages of this
solution-spinning process. Although acids are
hazardous, they are rather benign solvents
for industrial use and, since the CNTs are not
chemically modified, their electronic properties
are retained during the process.
This process opens up immense possibilities
for making multifunctional products that are
stronger, stiffer, and more energy efficient.
Source: V. A. Davis et al., True Solutions
of Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes for
Assembly into Macroscopic Materials Nature
Nanotechnology, 4, (2009) 830-834

N a n o t e ch P a t e n t s R o u n d u p

Nanotech Patents Spotlight

Gold-Ceria Catalyst for Oxidation of CO
US Pat. No.: 7,560, 410 B2
Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
Inventors: Unnikrishan R. Pillai (USA) and Sarojini
Deevi (USA)
Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
Filing Date: June 15, 2006
Abstract: A catalyst comprising 0.1 3.0 wt% gold
nanodots on cerium oxide, which is catalytically active
for the oxidation of CO at room temperature. The catalyst
is prepared by a deposition precipitation technique
followed either by aging or ultrasound treatment.

Fig. 1: CO conversion as a function of gold content

Highly Conductive Nano-Scaled Graphene

Plate Nano-Composites
US Pat. No.: 7, 566, 410 B2
Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
Inventors: Song Lulu (USA), Guo Jiusheng (USA),
Zhamu Aruna (USA), Jang B. Z. (USA)
Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, USA
Filing Date: January 11, 2006
Abstract: A nano-composite material consisting of fully
separated nano-scaled graphene platelets (NGPs) are
dispersed in a matrix material. Each platelet comprises
a sheet of graphite plane or multiple sheets of graphite
plane. The platelets have a thickness no greater than
100 nm and average length, width, or diameter not
greater than 500 nm. The graphene plates are present
in an amount not less than 15 wt.%, based on the total
weight of the platelets and the matrix material combined.
Advantages:
NGP based nano-composites enable a cost effective
approach to produce an alternative nano-carbon
material in large quantities with properties comparable
to that of CNT based composites NGP composites
possess high bulk electrical conductivity of no less
than 10 S/cm, and more typically no less than 100
S/cm, with an areal conductivity of > 200 S/cm2 NGP
reinforced C/C nano-composites show exceptionally
high conductivity of greater than 300 S/cm
Applications:
Nano-composite thin films or coatings can be used
as a thermal management layer in a densely packed
micro-electronic device Other applications include
fuel cell bipolar or flow field plates, battery electrodes,
high performance automotive friction plates, aircraft
landing gear, brake drums etc.

Fig. 2: Temperature programmed reduction profiles

of CeO2 and 1% Au/CeO2

Advantages:

Highly active for room temperature oxidation of CO to

CO2 Increased oxygen storage capacity of support
Good stability and high activity for a prolonged period
Applications:
Catalytic exhaust emission systems in vehicles for the
oxidation of CO to CO2 Emission reduction in the cold
start of an automobile engine Incorporation in tobacco
cut filter, wrapper material or filter material of a cigarette,
for reduction of CO emissions Incorporation into CO2
laser or a fuel cell to reduce CO emissions.

Fig. 3: Schematic showing three basic forms of solid NGP

polymer blends: (A) thin polymer coated NGP,
(B) NGP coated polymer fiber, and
(C) mixture of fine polymer fibers/ powders and NGPs.

19

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

Commercial / Business Focus

Business News
Strategic Partnership between Cargill and
Topchim
Cargill, Brazil and Topchim, Belgium announce
strategic partnership to produce a sustainable line of
products (based on nanotechnology) in Brazil for paper
and board applications.
October 23, 2009 | www.cargill.com

91% Metallic Conductivity Reported in CNTs

Honda, Japan, in collaboration with Purdue University
and University of Lousville, have successfully produced
CNTs with 91% metallic conductivity (in comparison
with 25-30% using other processes)
October 28, 2009 | www.nanowerk.com

FSU to Spin-off Super-strong Buckypaper

Company
Florida State University is to spin-off a super-strong
buckypaper company to produce the nanopaper on a
commercial scale.
October 30, 2009 | www.nanotechbuzz.com

Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. Merges

with Histostem
Stem Cell Therapy International, Inc. announces merger
with Histostem and launching of AmStem International,
Inc. to bring out new product to US and EU markets.
September 28, 2009 | Thomson Reuters 2009

NTU, Singapore, CNRS, France and Thales,

France form a Tripartite Alliance
NTU, Singapore, CNRS, France and Thales, France
form a tripartite alliance, CINTRA to develop innovative
nanotechnologies for future computing, sensing and
communication applications.
October 7, 2009 | www.nanowerk.com

NanoDynamics Files for Bankruptcy

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) developer NanoDynamics
Inc. filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy citing a lack of
available capital to keep the business going.
July 28, 2009 | Business Week

20

CNT Commercial Production, Fabrication

and Device Development
CNano Commissions Worlds Largest CNT
Production Plant
CNano Technology of Santa Clara, CA has
commissioned a 500 ton/year manufacturing facility for
MWNTs located in China. The MWNTs will be produced
by catalytic vapor deposition process. CNano has
received regulatory approval from EPA to sell MWNTs
through its subsidiary in the USA. They have also
obtained a certificate for ISO 9001: 2008 for R & D
production and services of CNTs through its subsidiary
in China.
October 20, 2009 | www.cnanotechology.com

Arkema to Launch Carbon Nanotube

Production Plant in 2011
Arkema, Frances leading chemical company, has
announced that it is setting up a 400 tons/year CNT
production plant at its Mont site in France. The plant will
follow stringent safety and environmental regulations
to protect its employees, and to prevent any possible
health hazards. The plant will produce multi-walled
carbon nanotubes via an innovative processing route,
and will use an entirely bio-based feedstock material.
The plant will go online in 2011.
September 17, 2009 | www.graphistrength.com

Southwest Nanotechnologies (SWeNT)

Launches CNT Coatings Application
Development Center
SWeNT, a leading producer of SWNTs and specialty
MWNTs from Oklahoma, has announced that it has
established a carbon nanotube coatings application
development center in collaboration with Chasm
Technologies Inc. This joint center located at Chasms
facility will demonstrate the feasibility of meeting
customers specifications for CNT coating and printing
applications. The center will help in accelerating the
development of commercial applications of CNT based
coatings such as lower cost displays, touch screens,
miniaturized sensor devices, energy efficient LEDs and
cost effective photovoltaic modules.
August 3, 2009 | http://www.swnano.com/news/

C o mm e r ci a l / B u s i n e s s f o c u s

Technologies Available for Licensing

Magnetic Quantum Dots for Use in Imaging
Technology: Nanoparticle (NP) quantum-dot
compositions and associated methods. These NPs
are of dual mode type, i.e. visible via both optical
methods and MRI, and find applications in clinical and
therapeutic imaging.
IP Status: Patent pending, U.S. Pat. Appln. 20050220714,
06 Oct, 2005
Contact: Nancy E. Rashid
UC Davis Innovation Access
nerashid@ucdavis.edu, Tel: 530-754-8621
http://techtransfer.universityofcaliforrnia.edu/
NCD/11323.html

Nanostructured Highly-Sensitive Multiplexed

Chemical Detector
Technology: It is based on nanostructured metal oxide
arrays and enables detection of chemicals down to
ppb level with extreme sensitivity. Potential applications
in high vacuum systems, building safety as well as
environmental monitoring and protection. Useful for
security and medical diagnostics applications.
IP Status: Singapore Patent Appln No. 200718693-5
Contact: Steven Yap
Technology / Licensing Officer,
Nanyang Polytechnic, 180 Ang Mo kio Avenue 8,
Singapore - 569830
stevenyap@nyp.edu.sg, Tel: +65 65500679

A Super Dark Absorber and IR Applications

Technology: A super dark absorbing material
comprising of CNT arrays prepared by CVD technique.
Potential applications include solar TPV power
generation, hot water heating, and MW, MMW and IR
absorber for stealth applications.
IP Status: Patent pending, U.S. Pat. Appln. 20090126783,
November 12, 2008
Contact: Beth Bornick
Licensing Associate,
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute,
bornie2@rpi.edu, Tel: 518-276-3297

Preparation and Application of Self-Cleaning,

Antibacterial and Photocatalytic
Nanocrystalline TiO2 Thin Film Coatings on
Glass
Technology: A transparent nanocrystalline TiO2 thin
film is deposited by reverse micelle method. The
coated glass exhibits self-cleaning, anti-bacterial
and photocatalytic properties. It is a simple, low cost
production process. Potential applications include
curtain walls in commercial buildings, shopping malls,
automotive glass, etc.
IP Status: Chinese Patent No. ZL 03100058.4,
HK Standard Pat. No. HK1063620
Contact: Billy Lam
Technology Licensing Coordinator,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong,
billylam@cuhk.edu.hk, Tel: 852-2609-8882
Fax: 852-2603-5454

Nano-encapsulated Aerogel
Technology: This technology pertains to a technique
for providing polymer or metallic coatings to aerogel
insulation to enhance its strength, resistance to
vibration and make it impermeable from adsorbing
gases. Potential applications include thermal and
acoustic insulation, catalyst supports, gas absorption,
color changing sensors, filtering and particle capture.
IP Status: U.S. Pat. 7,270,851, second patent pending,
available to license
Contact: Innovation Partnerships Office, NASA JSC,
Jsc-techtran@mail.nasa.gov, Tel: 281-483-3809
http://technology.jsc.nasa.gov

Process for the Preparation of Nanosized

Colloidal Metal Particles
Technology: The invention relates to a process for the
preparation of nano sized colloidal metal particles. The
process is environmentally friendly as it particularly
uses naturally occurring biomaterials such as fungus or
fungus extract.
IP Status: US Pat. No. 6537344, 25 March, 2003
Contact: G. Prabhakaran
Head Business Development, NCL, Pune
g.prabhakaran@ncl.res.in, Tel: +91-20-2590 / 2638,
Fax: +91-20-2590 / 2639

21

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

Emerging Nanotechnology Products

Carbon Nanotube Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are a popular choice for automotive
applications on account of their low cost, high reliability,
ruggedness, tolerance against abuse and recyclability.
However, for high power applications, they suffer from
low cyclic life, are not suitable for rapid charging and
are too heavy and bulky in nature. Hybrid and electric
cars are an environmentally friendly alternative and
represent an emerging market growing at a fast pace.
These electric/hybrid vehicles will demand batteries
having rapid charge/discharge capabilities and high
power output.
Carbon Nanotube Lead-Acid Batteries (CNT Batteries)
have the potential to change the scenario of the energy
storage market in the near-term by offering superior
performance compared to existing lead-acid and
lithium-ion batteries. Addition of CNTs to the electrodes
of lead-acid batteries results in significant improvement
in their conductivity. Moreover, when the CNTs are
incorporated in the negative electrode, the cyclic life
is greatly improved in comparison to that of the neat
electrode (M. Endo et al., Applications of carbon
nanotubes in the twenty first-century,
http://www.unidym.com/files/whitepaper_1437.
pdf). This improvement is attributed to the ability of
nanotubes to reinforce the electrode material and
prevent it from mechanically disintegrating during
charge-discharge cycles.
Micro Bubble Technology, Inc. (MBT), South Korea
has recently developed a promising CNT battery
technology. A CNT battery has the capacity to store

8 times as much energy as the traditional leadacid battery, and can hold at least 2 times as much
energy as a rechargeable lithium battery. Based on
independent laboratory testing, it has been found that
the CNT battery is able to deliver 380 miles between
charges as against 50-100 miles for a standard leadacid battery. The most remarkable finding has been that
it takes only ten minutes to recharge, as compared to 5
to 12 hours for standard batteries. The short life of about
3 - 4 years (equivalent to 200 full charge/discharge
cycles) of ordinary lead-acid batteries can be extended
by a minimum of 4 times by the incorporation of carbon
nanotubes. The characteristics of rechargeable batteries
are compared with that of MBTs CNT battery in Fig. 1.
The MBT Company has developed a proprietary method
of coating the anodes and cathodes with carbon
nanotubes, thus imparting to a standard lead-acid
battery the vastly superior properties shown in Fig. 1.
MBT also employs a new type of electrolyte with CNT.
The CNT battery technology has the potential to
revolutionize the hybrid and electric car industry as
it offers a unique battery that far exceeds anything
currently available at this time. The other potential
applications of MBT CNT battery also include the
following:
Transportation: EV/PHEV, trucks, buses, boats,
aircraft, mass transit fleets
Strategic: Military and aerospace propulsion systems
Portable Power Systems: Notebooks, power tools,
appliances, electronics
Electric Power Grid: Utilities, energy services,
municipalities
Uninterrupted Power Supply: Mobile towers, data
centers, hospitals, manufacturing plants
Recently, MBT, Korea took effective control of
EcoloCap, Canada through 50% ownership.

Fig.1: Characteristics of rechargeable batteries

vs the CNT lead-acid battery
(charging time in hours is shown in brackets)

22

Contact: Michael Siegel, President & CEO

Micro Bubble Technology and EcoloCap,
Barrington, IL, USA
ms@microbubbletech.com
General Office: 312-261-5590, Toll Free: 866-479-7041

R & D H igh l igh t s

R & D Highlights
Carbon Nanotube Composite Coating
to Save Battle Tanks from Laser Guided
Munitions
The advent of Laser guided munitions / bombs has
dramatically enhanced the accuracy of guidance and
delivery systems in recent years. The US forces amply
demonstrated this when they extensively employed
the laser-guided bombs to defeat the enemy during
Operation Desert Storm. Laser guided munitions
employ a laser designator to illuminate the target
using a laser beam. The reflected light is detected by
a seeker located on the dome of the weapon which,
in turn, sends a signal to guide it towards the target.
The military vehicles, such as battle tanks or armored
vehicles, are traditionally coated with conventional
paints or metallic finishes. These coatings reflect
infrared and ultra-violet radiation and, therefore, do
not provide protection to vehicles or other targets from
being tracked and attacked by laser guided weapons.
Recently, Timothy Imholt from Raytheon Company, USA
has developed a composite coating, which essentially
consists of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)
embedded in the matrix of a polymer such as an epoxy,
polyester, polyurethane etc. This coating is capable
of absorbing infrared radiation that is incident on the
surface of the coated object and, thereby, can reduce
or even eliminate the reflection of IR radiation off the
coated object. By reducing the reflection of IR radiation,
the composite coating may prevent the laser guided
munition system from detecting or targeting the coated
object. Fig.1 shows an example of a battle tank being
camouflaged when it is under attack from a laser guided
munition. Here, the special coating provided on the tank
surface protects it as the coating does not allow the IR
radiation to reflect back and be detected by the sensor
incorporated within the body of the weapon.
Recently, nanotechnologists from AIST and Nagoya
University, Japan have also discovered that a forest
of vertically aligned SWNTs behaves like a perfect
black body and absorbs electromagnetic radiation of
all wavelengths analogous to a black hole. This CNT
forest absorbs between 97 to 99% of all light. This is,
perhaps, the blackest material existing in the universe.
The CNT based composite developed by Imholt is
fabricated by an electrophoretic process, and thus
able to produce uniform dispersion of nanotubes within

the polymer matrix. This results in achieving optimum

properties of the composite. It was also found by him
that SWNTs are at least four times more potent as
compared to MWNTs in absorbing the IR radiation.

Seeker head

Laser designator
Projectile

Nanocomposite
coating
Polymer matrix

Electro-magnetic
beam (light or IR)
Carbon nanotube

Battle Tank

Fig.1: Nanocomposite coating reduces / eliminates

light reflection from the tank and, thus, cloaks
it from the guided munition system

Source: Kohei Mizunoa, et al., A black body

absorber from vertically aligned single-walled carbon
nanotubes, PNAS, 106, (2009) 6044-6047, US Patent
Application No. 2009/0114890 A1, Nanocomposite
Coating for Reflection Reduction, Assignee: Raytheon
Company, MA, USA)

Nanoscale Shape Memory Alloys

Improve Reliability and Accuracy of MEMs
In engineering design, particularly in Micro-ElectroMechanical-Systems (MEMS), mechanical vibrations
at a nano scale can adversely affect the reliability
and accuracy of sensitive components such as
micro-sensors, micro-actuators, micro-pumps etc.
which, in turn, would endanger the performance of
sensitive devices being employed in aircrafts, missiles,
electronics, biomedical and robotic systems etc. High
damping materials play a crucial role in reducing these
vibrations and, thereby, improving the performance of
the systems.
A research team led by Jose San Juan from MIT, USA
and Universidad del Pais Vasco, Spain have shown
that copper-aluminum-nickel shape memory alloys
at nanoscopic dimensions (nanoscale pillars) have

23

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

an enormous damping capacity to dissipate energy

and reduce vibrations, as compared to their bulk
counterparts and other high damping materials.
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) like Ti-Ni, Cu-Al Ni,
Cu-Mn etc. have the intrinsic high damping capacity
on account of their tendency to undergo reversible
transformations between austenite and martensite
phases when the alloy is subjected to either changes
in temperature or applied stress. The hysteretic
movement between austenitic / martensitic interfaces
dissipates large amount of mechanical energy resulting
in high damping capacity.
Juan and his co-authors, in their paper recently
published in Nature Nanotechnology journal, have
shown that the reversible stress - induced martensitic
transformation can occur in nanoscale volumes
and it also exhibits strong size effect. At nanoscale
dimensions, SMAs show very high figure of merit for
mechanical damping. The figure of merit for a stiffness
design, with maximum damping per unit volume, is
represented by E .h, where E is Youngs modulus
and h is the loss factor. Juan and his team have made
a comparative study of the energy dissipation capacity,
based on the above figure of merit, for different high
damping material candidates. They have found that
nanoscale pillars exhibit a figure of merit of about 0.9,
which is more than double that of bulk single crystal of
Cu-Al-Ni alloy and is substantially higher than other bulk
high damping material candidates as depicted in Fig. 2.
The ultra high damping capacity of nanostructured
Cu-Al-Ni shape memory materials offers significant
potential for reducing vibrations at the nanoscale. This
is expected to pave the way for the development of
nano-scale and micro-scale futuristic devices.

Carbon Nanotubes Affect Seed Germination

and Plant Growth
Arkansas researchers have made a remarkable
discovery by exposing tomato plant seeds to CNTs,
triggering rapid germination and enhanced growth
of seedlings. Alexandru S. Biris, a Nanotechnologist
and plant biologist Maria Khodakovskaya, a and
their colleagues at the University of Arkansas used
multiwall nanotubes for their experiment. In their
study, they mixed clean tomato seeds with different
concentrations of CNTs and placed them on a standard
agar Murashige Skoog (MS) medium and, for the sake
of comparison, the MS medium without CNTs was used
for carrying out control experiments.
The researcher found that the CNTs are able to
penetrate the hard outer coating of the seed and the
process of seed germination was accelerated and
significantly shortened the germination period. They
observed that the tomato seeds with CNTs (10, 20,
40 mg/ml) germinated on third day while the tomatoes
without CNTs did not germinate during that period.
Further they noted the germination percentage rate was
substantially higher in the case of seeds treated with
CNTs as shown in the following enclosed table.
The researchers also found that there was a dramatic
increase in vegetative biomass of the germinated
seedlings developed using CNTs.
To understand the mechanism of accelerated
germination of plant seeds when exposed to CNTs,
Raman spectroscopic technique and TEM analysis
were used. These clearly demonstrated that nanotubes
are able to penetrate the seed coating. TGA analysis
was carried out to determine the amount of moisture
present in the seeds. This analysis suggested that
CNTs could significantly enhance the water uptake in
the plant seeds.
The exact mechanism by which CNTS can support
water uptake inside a seed is not yet clear. The
researchers speculated two possibilities, namely
(i) CNTs can create new pores for water permeation
by penetration of seed coat or (ii) the CNTs are able
to regulate gating of the existent water channels in the
coating of seeds.

Fig. 2: Figure of merit for optimizing high damping capacity

and stiffness for various high damping materials

Source: Jose San Juan, Maria L. N and

Christopher A. Schuh, Nanoscale-Shape Memory
Alloys for Ultrahigh Mechanical Damping, Nature
Nanotechnology, 4, (2009) 415-419
http://www.azom.com/news.asp/newsID=18346

24

It has been suggested that the discovery of enhanced

seed germination by CNTs could have several
implications in the field of agriculture, horticulture, and
energy (production of bio-fuels).
Source: Mariya Khodakovskaya, Enkeleda Dervishi,
Meena Mahmood, Yang Xu, Zhongrui Li, Fumiya
Watanabe and Alexandru S. Biris, ACS Nano, 3,
(2009) 32213227

G r e e n e r N a n o t e ch n o l o gi e s

Greener Nanotechnologies
Eco-friendly Carbon Nanotubes Grown
Using Oxide Catalysts
Thermally assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a
well established technique for the production of carbon
nanotubes. In this method, the CNTs are grown using
metallic nano-particle catalysts like Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Au,
Sn, Ta etc. Therefore, most of the commercial CNTs
are always associated with these toxic metal catalysts.
Even the purified CNTs contain a significant amount
of metal residue. The presence of these heavy metal
catalysts is a matter of concern due to the two following
reasons. Firstly, when these metal containing nanotubes
are used in applications such as microelectronics or
composites, they tend to react unfavorably with materials
like polymers, metals, ceramics etc. that are typically
present. Secondly, the toxic heavy metals are a health
hazard if these metal containing CNTs are to be used for
biomedical applications.
The above mentioned problem of metal-induced
toxicity has prompted Professor Brian Wardle and his
colleagues from MIT (in collaboration with researchers
from University of Cambridge, Lawrence Livermore
National Lab, and Fritz-Haber Institut der Max-PlanckGesellschaft) to take up this challenge and make
a remarkable discovery that the carbon nanotubes
can be grown without a metal catalyst. They have
demonstrated that nanoparticles of zirconia catalyze
the growth of SWNTs and MWNTs by the thermal
CVD process. They have also found, for the first
time, that an oxide which is not reducible under CNT
growth conditions can catalyze CNT growth. The
group has further hypothesized that oxygen-deficient
zirconia may be more active than stoichiometric
zirconia. The mechanism of growth in the above
Thermally Assisted Chemical
Vapor Deposition (CVD)
CH4

H2

Zirconia Nanoparticles

Substrate

case may be completely different from that of metal

nanoparticle grown nanotubes. Instead of dissolving
into the nanoparticle and precipitating out, ZrO2 grown
nanotubes appear to assemble directly on the surface.
This innovation has far-reaching implications for the
production of carbon nanotubes on a commercial
scale, without the undesirable side effects of
carcinogenic transition metals. These metal-free carbon
nanotubes would boost applications like carbon fiber
composite plies stitched with carbon nanotubes for
making strong aircraft skins or other high performance
structural components. These eco-friendly CNTs
can also be used for medical and health related
applications.
Source: Steiner SA 3rd, Baumann TF, Bayer BC, Blume
R, Worsley MA, MoberlyChan WJ, Shaw EL, Schlgl
R, Hart AJ, Hofmann S, Wardle BL., Nanoscale
Zirconia as a Nonmetallic Catalyst for Graphitization
of Carbon and Growth of Single- and Multiwall Carbon
Nanotubes, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, 131 (34), pp
1214412154

Non-toxic and Ecofriendly Process for

Making Nano-scale Zinc Oxide
Researchers from Saudi Arabia have discovered a safe
and biocompatible processing route for producing zinc
oxide nano rods. These nano rods will pave the way for
new applications in medical, chemical and biochemical
fields. Zinc oxide possesses unique optical,
semiconducting, piezoelectric and magnetic properties.
In nanostructure form, it shows high catalytic efficiency
and strong adsorption characteristics. Nano scale
ZnO finds wide ranging applications, such as an
ingredient (a necessary nutrient) in breakfast cereal, in
cosmetics, in ointments to protect from UV radiation, as
an antibacterial cream, as a biosensor in UV detector,
varistor etc.
Recently, M. A. Shah and M.S. Al-Shahry of the King
Khalid University and A.M. Asiri of the King Abdul-Aziz
University, Saudi Arabia have discovered an amazingly
simple and economical method to synthesize ZnO
nano rods of 30-100 nm diameter. Their approach of
making nano rods is environmentally safe and does
not produce any toxic chemicals. In their approach,
zinc metal powder is added to water and subjected
to intense ultrasonic radiation followed by heating to

25

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

about 200C for 24 hours. X-ray and field emission

electron microscopy were used to reveal the structure.
The team is of the opinion that, since water is
considered to be a safe, non-toxic and benign solvent,
the nano rod product could be used for medical and
other applications.

Source: Allen, B., Kichambare, P., Gou, P., Vlasova,

L, Kapralov, A., Konduru, N., Kagan, V and Star, A.,
Biodegradation of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
through Enzymatic Catalysis,Nano Letters, 8, (2008)
3899-3903

Source: M.A. Shah, Zinc Oxide Nanorods

Prepared at Low Temperatures without Catalyst,
Modern Physics Letters B (MPLB), Volume: 22, Issue:
26 (2008) pp. 2617-2621 Simple approach for
the synthesis of zinc oxide nanorods, International
Journal of Nanoparticles, 2, (2009) 87-94.
http://www.inderscience.com/

Nanotechnology-based Non-toxic
Antifouling Coatings

Environmentally Safe Carbon Nanotubes

(CNTs) by Biodegradation
Lately, there is a growing concern about the toxic
effects of CNTs in the form of inflammation and
apoptosis, which is relevant because of two reasons.
Currently, as a large number of CNT-based products
are being introduced in the market, free CNTs are
likely to be released to the environment during their
production or disposal and there is an apprehension
that these ultimately will find their way into the body.
Secondly, in nanomedicine applications such as
imaging, biological detection and therapy, CNTs are
either deliberately injected or implanted in the human
body. Thus, there are concerns with regard to potential
health risks.
In view of the above, efforts are being directed
towards developing techniques for minimizing
the toxicity of CNTs via environmentally benign
manufacturing routes, ensuring that risks to human
health and environment are minimal. A research team
from the University of Pittsburgh, led by Dr. Alexander
Star, has found a way to mitigate the toxic effect of
CNTs by degrading them through enzymatic catalysis
using the natural enzyme horsedish peroxidase (HRP).
The team initially oxidized the CNTs using sulfuric
acid and hydrogen peroxide to remove the residual
metal catalyst, making the CNTs soluble in aqueous
environment. Subsequently, CNTs were treated with
HRP in the presence of hydrogen peroxide for the
period of 16 weeks at 4oC. It was found that during
the above process, a highly oxidizing intermediate
forms from the HRP, which ultimately leads to the biodegradation of CNTs making them environmentally
benign.
These above process offers great promise to diminish
the environmental and health concerns, which can
otherwise hurt the bright prospects of developing CNT
products for consumer and industrial applications.

26

Biofouling is one of the issues of great concern

in the shipping industry due to its economic and
environmental consequences. The biofouling organisms,
like mussels, algae, barnacles etc., settle on the ship
hulls and increase the weight of a ship considerably,
thereby causing greater resistance during transport
and leading to higher fuel consumption. In order to
deal with this problem, highly toxic biofouling coatings
have been developed. However, these coatings affect
the reproduction system of marine creatures and
accumulate themselves in the food chain.
Nanogate Technologies GmbH, Germany has recently
developed an innovative non-toxic coating using
nanotechnology, to ensure biofouling-free ship hulls.
This novel non-stick coating is based on the principle
of low surface energy. This coating contains particles of
poly-electrolytic fluorotensile complexes (PEFTs), which
posess surface energies even lower than that of Teflon
(PTFE) as shown below.

Fig. 1: Surface energies of different materials

Low surface energy of the coating makes it both

hydrophobic and oleophobic in nature. However, to
optimize the anti-fouling attributes, one has to make the
coating durable, hard, smooth, scratch-resistant and
UV resistant. Nanogate has been able to achieve these
multifunctional characteristics by incorporating ceramic
nanoparticles in the coating. The new Nanogate nonstick coating has proven its effectiveness in lab tests
and during extensive trials on ship hulls.
Source: Nanogate Technologies GmbH,
http://www.nanogate.de/en/

I ND I AN S C ENAR I O

Indian Scenario
Status of Nano-biotechnology in India
Biotechnology, pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors
in India are experiencing an unprecedented growth over
the last few years and the country is poised to become
a global hub, for the bio-pharma industry. The recent
McKinsey report states that, by 2015, the Indian pharma
industry will treble its growth to US$ 50 billion and will be
among the top ten global pharma players. It will provide
tremendous opportunities in the area of generics,
drug targeting, drug delivery, molecular imaging, etc.
Nanotechnology is certain to play a synergetic role in
the bio-pharma sector. India has significant potential for
growth in nanomedicines, nanodiagnostics, formulations
and delivery systems that can be realized through
application-oriented R & D.
Over the last few years, the Indian nano-biotech
industry is rapidly emerging as a major global player,
and is aggressively pursuing R & D in the area of drugs
and formulations, nanosensors for medical diagnostics,
antibacterial applications of nanosilver, etc. Recently,
Dabur Pharma has taken a significant step forward by
launching Nanoxel a novel drug delivery system for
the widely used anti-cancer drug, Paclitaxel. University
of Delhi has developed path-breaking technologies
related to ophthalmic delivery and formulations of AmB,
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Amphotericin B
that have been transferred to companies like Panacea
Biotech, Shantha Biotechnics, American Bioscience
Inc, USA, etc.
DRDE, Gwalior has developed a typhoid detection kit
using nanosensors based on a technology from IISc,
Bangalore to address health related problems such as
typhoid in third world countries. Also, nanosilver based
applications developed by Agharkar Research Institute,
IICT etc. are being commercialized by companies like
Transgene Biotek Ltd. and Virtuous Innovation. Many

other companies have developed technologies related

to nano fingerprinting and nanodiagnostics using
their in house capabilities, while companies like Sun
Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Sun Pharma), Lifecare
Innovations Pvt. Ltd. and Natco Pharma are working
towards commercialization of nanodrugs. National
Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
(NIPER) is developing regulatory approval guidelines for
nanotechnology based drugs and standards for their
toxicological tests in nano-based drug delivery systems.
A brief activity status of key technological developments
in the Indian nanobiotech industry is provided below:
Starkey India, Noida
Activity/ Technology: Destiny hearing aid (sensor
technology based on GMR switch, which uses electron
spin for sensing signals and storing information)
Source of Technology: Starkey, USA
Dabur Pharma, New Delhi
Activity/ Technology: Launched Cancer drug Nanonxel
(with nano polymer base) last year and is launching
Docetaxel using nanotech drug delivery this year
Source of Technology: Delhi University and Dabur
Research Foundation
Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad
Activity/ Technology: Topical emulsion for oestrogen
therapy (micellar nanoparticles technology) for drug
delivery
Source of Technology: Novavax, USA
Bhaskar Centre for innovation and Scientific
Research, Chennai
Activity/ Technology: Antimicrobial spray (silver
nanoparticles and herbal extracts)
Source of Technology: In-house
University of Delhi, New Delhi
Activity/ Technology: A process of entrapping genetic
materials in nanoparticles of inorganic compounds
to form non-viral carriers. The technology has been
already transferred to American Bioscience Inc., USA
Source of Technology: In-house
27

NANOTE C H I NS I G H TS

Biocon, Bangalore

Velbionanotech, Bangalore

Activity/ Technology: Breast cancer nanodrug

Abraxane (paclitaxel protein and albumin bound
medicine)

Activity/ Technology: Developed nanotech-based

treatments for atherosclerosis (arterial plaque),
nephrolithiasis, (stone in the urinary tract) and diabetes.
Expecting to license the products shortly

Source of Technology: Abraxis Biosciences, U.S.A.

Source of Technology: In-house

Panacea Biotech, New Delhi
Activity/ Technology: A pharmaceutical formulation
of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs into
polymeric micelles nanoparticles for ocular delivery in
Nimesulide
Source of Technology: University of Delhi
Shantha Biotechnics, Hyderabad
Activity/ Technology: A process for preparing
pharmaceutical formulation of Amphotericin B or other
polyene antibiotics entrapped into nanoparticles of
copolymeric micelles
Source of Technology: University of Delhi
Transgene Biotek Ltd., Hyderabad
Activity/ Technology: Drug delivery system for oral
insulin (using biodegradable polymeric nano-particles
loaded with human insulin or hepatitisB surface
antigen as a carrier)
Source of Technology: Transgene and IICT, Hyderabad
Virtus Techo Innovations, Mumbai
Activity/ Technology: The company has applied
for patents not only for a gene repair therapy called
Mitsanika, but for various other bio-engineering
applications using nanotechnology

Nano Cutting Edge Technology (Nanocet), Mumbai

Activity/ Technology: Biostabilized nanoparticles like
Ag, Au, Fe, Pd etc. in the areas of cancer hyperthermia,
targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, antimicrobial
agents and mitigation of pollutants.
Source of Technology: Agharkar Research Institute,
Pune
Electrical Engineering Department, IIT-Bombay,
Mumbai
Activity/ Technology: Developed a cardic diagnosis
product iSens using nanotechnology that provides the
exact reading of an individuals heart. They have also
developed a silicon locket as a part of a complete suite
for cardiac monitoring and diagnosis, which is being
used in many hospitals
Source of Technology: In-house
Natco Pharma, Hyderabad
Activity/ Technology: Launched its first nanotechnology drug, Albupax, which is used in the treatment
of breast cancer. Albupax is the first generic version
of the international brand Abraxane and consists of
Paclitaxel in an Albumin bound nano-particle form
Source of Technology: Abraxis Bio-sciences, USA

Source of Technology: In-house

Panacea Biotech, Chandigarh

Cadila Pharma, Ahmedabad

Activity/ Technology: Ophthalmic delivery using

polymeric micelles nanoparticles

Activity/ Technology: Nano-sensor based typhoid

detection kit (recombinant DNA technology and
immunological technique for rapid detection)

Source of Technology: Delhi University

Source of Technology: Nano sensor from IISc,

Bangalore and typhoid detection kit from DRDE

Activity/ Technology: Anti-counterfeit technology for

drugs (nano-fingerprinting technology)

Lifecare Innovations Pvt. Ltd., Gurgaon

Activity/ Technology: Lifecare Innovations has
indigenously developed Fungisometm- a Liposomal
Amphotericin B. In addition, a nanotechnology-based
novel drug delivery system for sustained release of
anti-TB drugs has advanced to completion of
toxicology studies
Source of Technology: In-house and PGIMER,
Chandigarh
28

Bilcare Ltd., Pune

Source of Technology: In-house

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and
Research (NIPER), Mohali
Activity/ Technology: Developing regulatory guidelines
for approving nanotechnology based drugs to come
out with standard parameters to test nanotoxicity in
nano based drug delivery systems
Source of Technology: In-house

Forthcoming Events
ICONM 2010: The Fourth International Conference
on Quantum, Nano and Micro Technologies
10-15 February, 2010, St. Maarten, Netherlands, Antilles
www.iaria.org/conferences2010

nopt@vip163.com

Nano Tech 2010, International Nanotechnology

Exhibition and Conference
17-19 February, 2010, East Exhibition Hall, 4,5,6,8
Conf. Tower, Tokyo Bigsight, Japan
nanotech@ics-inc.co.jp

www.nanotechexpo.jp/en/

International Conference on Nanoscience and

Technology (ICONSAT-2010) includes a One Day
Satellite Workshop on Cancer and Nanotechnology:
Therapeutics and Diagnostics
17-20 February, 2010, IIT Bombay, Mumbai
iconsat2010@yahoo.com
iconsat2010@iitb.ac.in

2010 International Conference on Nanotechnology,

Optoelectronics and Photonics Technologies
(NOPT 2010)
26-28 February 2010, Singapore

www.iconsat2010.in

International Conference on Synthesis,

Characterization, Consolidation and Modelling of
Nanomaterials (ICON 2010)
5-6 March, 2010, PSG College of Technology,
Coimbatore
psgicon2010@yahoo.com, psgicon2010@gmail.com
http://www.psgtech.edu/icon2010

3rd Conference on Nanostructures

10-12 March, 2010, Sharif Unniversity International
Campus, Kish Island, Iran
ns2010@sharif.edu

Workshop on Nanotechnology for Sustainable

Energy Solutions and on Challenges in the
Innovation Environment of Nanomedicine

http://www.iacsit.org/nopt/index.htm

http://ns2010.sharif.edu/

European Conference on Nanofilms 2010

22-25 March 2010, Liege, Belgium, Europe

22-23 February 2010, OECD (Organization for

Economic Co-Operation and Development), KIST,
Seoul, Korea

info@ecnf.eu

oecddirect@oecd.org

Nano Manufacturing Conference and Exhibits

14-15 April, 2010, Hilton Phoenix East / Mesa, Mesa,
AZ, USA

http://www.oecd.org

2010 International Conference on Nanoscience and

Nanotechnology (ICONN)
22-26 February 2010, Sydney Convention and
Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Australia
sonja@wsm.com.au | http://www.ausnano.net/iconn2010/

Nanomedicine: Visions for the Future

service@sme.org

http://www.vinf.eu/ecnf/

http://www.sme.org

Nano and Giga Challenges in Electronics,

Photonics and Renewable Energy
10-14 August, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
organizers@asdn.net

http://asdn.net/ngc2009/

24-25 February 2010, NH Amsterdam Hotel,

Amsterdam, Netherlands
carrie.smith@nano.org.uk | http://www.nano.org.uk/
conferences/nanomed2010/overview.htm

ICONN 2010
24-26 February, 2010, SRM University, Kattankulathur603203, Chennai, India.
iconn10@srmuniv.edu.in

http://www.srmuniv.ac.in

International Conference on Nanomaterials and

Nanotechnology
December 13-16, 2010, K.S.Rangasamy College of
Technology (Autonomous), K.S.R Kalvinagar - 637 215,
Tiruchengode (Tk.) Namakkal (Dt.), Tamilnadu, INDIA
nano2010@ksrct.ac.in

http://www.nano.ksrct.ac.in/

Centre for Knowledge Management of Nanoscience & Technology

CKMNT was launched on 1st April 2009 at Hyderabad by the International Advanced
Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI) as one of its
project centres. The centre has been set up to foster the exchange and dissemination
of advanced technological knowledge and expertise to meet the needs of the
nanoresearchers, industry, policy makers, financial institutions and venture capitalists.
CKMNT has been partially funded by the Department of Science and Technology
(DST), Govt. of India in a project mode and would help in fulfilling the objectives of the
Nano Mission of DST.

The objectives of CKMNT are as follows:

Create and maintain a comprehensive one-stop nanoscience and
nanotechnology database, with nanoresearchers from universities/academic
institutions, national labs, government agencies and industries as the primary
target beneficiaries.
Hosting an exhaustive website that will play a key role in publicizing various
activities of the Nano Mission and promote nano S & T in India.
Create awareness regarding the potential of nano S & T among the Indian
industries and industrial associations like FICCI, Assocham, ACMA, CII etc., and
thereby catalyze commercialization of nanotechnology in the country.
Create an exclusive Indian patents database related to nanotechnology to aid
the growth of nano S & T in Indian industry.
Generate value-added state-of-the-art nanotechnology reports, reviews,
newsletters etc. to cover all aspects of business as well as science and
technology.
Provide updated information to DST and other Govt. of India agencies pertaining
to the status of nanotechnology in India/abroad in the form of reports on specific
topics of interest.
Services offered:
Nanotechnology Knowledge Database Nanotechnology Value Added Reports
Nano Lab Bulletins Newsletter Nanotechnology Monitoring Services
Indian Patent Database Patent Services

Centre for Knowledge Management of Nanoscience & Technology

(A Project of ARCI, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India)
12-5-32/7, 1st Floor, Vijayapuri Colony, Tarnaka, Secunderabad-500 017, A.P., India
Telephone: +91 40 2700 0251, 2700 7032 Telefax: +91 40 2700 7031
E-mail: info@ckmnt.com Website: www.ckmnt.com