Nano-sized particles, processes of making, compositions and uses thereof

US8182786B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York · US

Inventors

• Stephen O'Brien · Ottumwa, US
• Ming Yin · Raleigh, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 12, 2006
• Grant date: May 22, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C01P2006/42
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention describes methods for preparing high quality nanoparticles, i.e., metal oxide based nanoparticles of uniform size and monodispersity. The nanoparticles advantageously comprise organic alkyl chain capping groups and are stable in air and in nonpolar solvents. The methods of the invention provide a simple and reproducible procedure for forming transition metal oxide nanocrystals, with yields over 80%. The highly crystalline and monodisperse nanocrystals are obtained directly without further size selection; particle size can be easily and fractionally increased by the methods. The resulting nanoparticles can exhibit magnetic and/or optical properties. These properties result from the methods used to prepare them. Also advantageously, the nanoparticles of this invention are well suited for use in a variety of industrial applications, including cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations and compositions.