US Patent:
20130130894, May 23, 2013
Inventors:
Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLc - Oak Ridge TN, US
Paul A. Menchhofer - Clinton TN, US
Jane Y. Howe - Oak Ridge TN, US
Wei Wang - Oak Ridge TN, US
Assignee:
Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLc - Oak Ridge TN
International Classification:
B01J 23/755
B01J 23/745
US Classification:
502259, 502300, 502335, 502338, 502337, 502325, 502240, 502258, 502260, 977892, 977773, 977810
Abstract:
Methods of fabricating nano-catalysts are described. In some embodiments the nano-catalyst is formed from a powder-based substrate material and is some embodiments the nano-catalyst is formed from a solid-based substrate material. In some embodiments the substrate material may include metal, ceramic, or silicon or another metalloid. The nano-catalysts typically have metal nanoparticles disposed adjacent the surface of the substrate material. The methods typically include functionalizing the surface of the substrate material with a chelating agent, such as a chemical having dissociated carboxyl functional groups (—COO), that provides an enhanced affinity for metal ions. The functionalized substrate surface may then be exposed to a chemical solution that contains metal ions. The metal ions are then bound to the substrate material and may then be reduced, such as by a stream of gas that includes hydrogen, to form metal nanoparticles adjacent the surface of the substrate.