Process of forming compounds using reverse micelle or reverse microemulsion systems

US5770172A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Battelle Memorial Institute · CH

Inventors

• John C. Linehan · Richland, US
• John L. Fulton · Northampton, US
• Roger M. Bean · Richland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 4, 1996
• Grant date: Jun 23, 1998
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C01P2004/64
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a process for producing a nanometer-sized metal compound. The process comprises forming a reverse micelle or reverse microemulsion system comprising a polar fluid in a non-polar or low-polarity fluid. A first reactant comprising a multi-component, water-soluble metal compound is introduced into the polar fluid in a non-polar or low-polarity fluid. This first reactant can be introduced into the reverse micelle or reverse microemulsion system during formation thereof or subsequent to the formation of the reverse micelle or microemulsion system. The water-soluble metal compound is then reacted in the reverse micelle or reverse microemulsion system to form the nanometer-sized metal compound. The nanometer-sized metal compound is then precipitated from the reverse micelle or reverse microemulsion system.