Reactive nanoparticles as destructive adsorbents for biological and chemical contamination
US6417423B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC04B2235/608
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Compositions and methods for destroying biological agents and toxins such as Aflatoxins, Botulinum toxins, and Clostridium perfrigens toxins are provided wherein the substance to be destroyed is contacted with a finely divided metal oxide nanocrystals. In various embodiments, the metal oxide nanocrystals have reactive atoms stabilized on their surfaces, species adsorbed on their surfaces, or are coated with a second metal oxide. The desired metal oxide nanocrystals can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. The methods of the invention are safe for humans, equipment, and the environment, and provide for decontamination of warfare sites, of equipment exposed to the contaminant, and of soil, water and air having been exposed to the contaminant. Preferred metal oxides for the methods include MgO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, ZnO and mixtures thereof. Preferred reactive atoms stabilized on the surfaces of the metal oxide nanocrystals include halogens and Group I metals, and preferred species stabilized on the surfaces of the metal oxide nanocrystals include SO2, NO2 and ozone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.