AU Researcher develops better nanoparticle separation

Optics coatings, microelectronics and biomedicine may all benefit from two technologies developed by a researcher at Auburn University.

Chris Roberts, chair and Uthlaut Professor in AU's Department of Chemical Engineering, has developed techniques for separating nanoparticles and developing nanoparticle films that are more precise and more environmentally sound than the presently used processes.

"Nanoparticles are extremely small structures, less than 100 nanometers in size, and have properties very different from those in the bulk materials they are derived from," says Roberts. "As an example, metal nanoparticles can be obtained through reduction reactions of dissolved metal salts in various solvents. These tiny metal particles provide a variety of physical and chemical properties that make them highly valued as coatings in precision optics and microelectronics manufacturing."

To read more:

• AU Research

For more information:

• Chemical Engineering Research
• Dr. Chris Roberts Web site