Nanoparticles with grafted organic molecules

US8945673B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Regents of the University of Minnesota · US
• Innovalight, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Lorenzo Mangolini · Yorba Linda, US
• Uwe Kortshagen · Roseville, US
• Rebecca J. Anthony · Lansing, US
• David Jurbergs · Fort Worth, US
• Xuegeng Li · Sunnyvale, US
• Elena Rogojina · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 20, 2011
• Grant date: Feb 3, 2015
• Expiry date: Dec 20, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S977/773
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An apparatus for producing grafted Group IV nanoparticles is provided and includes a source of Group IV nanoparticles. A chamber is configured to carry the nanoparticles in a gas phase and has an inlet and an exit. The inlet configured to couple to an organic molecule source which is configured to provide organic molecules to the chamber. A plasma source is arranged to generate a plasma. The plasma causes the organic molecules to break down and/or activate in the chamber and bond to the nanoparticles. A method of producing grafted Group IV nanoparticles is also provided and includes receiving Group IV nanoparticles in a gas phase, creating a plasma with the nanoparticles, and allowing the organic molecules to break down and/or become activated in the plasma and bond with the nanoparticles.