Composite materials and method of its manufacture

US7740814B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Gunnar Westin · Stockholm, SE
• Annika Pohl · Tyresö, SE
• Asa Ekstrand · Hässelby, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 3, 2006
• Grant date: Jun 22, 2010
• Expiry date: Apr 22, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/25
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A novel solution route has been developed that after heat-treatment to 500-600° C. under inert atmosphere, yields highly porous composites of nano-sized metal (Ni) particle inclusions in ceramics (Al2O3). Metal loadings could be made from <1% to >95% Ni. The metal inclusion sizes in the Ni—Al2O3 system with the 10 atom % Ni sample were 4-7 nm, while for the 75 atom % Ni sample they were 5-8 nm. It was shown that the 10 atom % Ni sample could be used as a catalyst for the conversion of CO2 and CH4 in the temperature range 550-700° C., while higher temperatures led to growth of the Ni particles and carbon poisoning over time. The solution routes could also be deposited as thin dense films containing <10 nm Ni particles. Such films with high Ni-particle loadings deposited on aluminium substrates have shown very good solar heat absorber proficiency and provide good substrates for carbon tube growth.