Cavitation-inducing agents for sonochemistry
Gas-trapping nanoparticles that function as both the source for cavitation and catalysis thereby creating a sonophotocatalyst. TiO2 fractured nanoshells (TFNs) are used as sonophotocatalyst.
Ultrasound-mediated catalysis (sonocatalysis) generates localised intense temperatures and pressures through cavitation, which accelerates catalytic chemical reactions under bulk ambient conditions. Although considered a green process, current methods use long ultrasound exposure times and high acoustic energies. Exogenous gas nuclei are often added to reduce the energy required, however spatial decoupling between cavitation events and catalysts remains and lowers reaction efficiency.
Applications: Wastewater treatment, catalytic oxidation, controlled radical polymerization, sonodynamic therapies
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Novel gas-trapping nanoparticles that function as both the source for cavitation and catalysis allowing the gas bubble to be coupled to the catalyst | Removes spatial control limitations existing in current methods; Increases reaction rate; Increased efficiency due the cavitation happening near the catalytic site |
| The cavitation occurs at lower intensities using pulsed ultrasound | Reduce the energy requirement for cavitation; Particles remain intact during ultrasound irradiation and can sustain cavitation for several minutes; Possibility of recycling particles |
| Nanoparticle materials and structure tuneable for specific chemistries | Enhance and potentially create new catalytic sonochemical reactions; Can function as a radical initiator to minimise additives |
| Works with SonoCYL reactor (opportunity 20069) | Improved yields, specificity, and kinetics |
Awaiting patent and Available For
- Co-development
- Consulting
- Licensing