Description
Low-Cost Method for Determining the Surface Free Energy of Micro-particles and Nanoparticles
Case ID:
19/0027
Background
Surface free energy (SFE) of micro- and nanoparticles plays a crucial role in determining the hydrophobicity and wettability of the particles. To date, however, there are no easy-to-use methods for determining the SFE of particles.
Technology Overview
Researchers at the University of Hawai’i have developed the maximum particle dispersion (MPD) method, a novel technique that uses inexpensive, easy-to-use and commonly available lab procedures and facilities for quantitatively determining the SFE of micro-particles and nanoparticles.
The researchers demonstrated the versatility and robustness of the MPD method by studying nine representative particles of various chemicals, sizes, dimensions, and morphologies. The SFE of these micro- and nanoparticles was found to cover a range from 21 to 36 mJ/m2. These SFE values may find applications in a broad spectrum of scientific disciplines including the synthesis of these nanomaterials such as exfoliation.
Features
Easy-to use
Economical
Publications
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.analchem.9b02507
Potential Benefits
The MPD method has the potential to be developed a standard, low-cost, and easy-to-use method for quantitatively characterizing the SFE and hydrophobicity of particles at the micro- and nanoscale.
IP Status
Utility patent application filed
Seeking
Development partner
Commercial partner
Licensing
University spin out
Investment
Key Words
Maximum particle dispersion method
Micro-particle
Nanoparticle
Particle
SFE
Spectrophotometry
Surface free energy
Surface tension