SELF-ASSEMBLY OF NANO-STRUCTURED MATERIALS Sandia National Laboratories has combined their world leading sol-gel processing capability with organic self-assembly to produce an enabling technology for a wide range of novel nanostructured materials that are not commercially available. Amphiphilic, structure-directing organic agents are mixed with inorganic precursors and processed by dip coating, spin coating, or aerosol spraying to produce films or particles. Solvent evaporation during processing induces self-assembly of ordered organic-inorganic liquid crystal structures. The organic constituent can also be removed, leading to inorganic films or particles with periodic arrangements of precisely defined pores. Proprietary computer modeling codes run on super computers can be utilized for materials design, and unique instrumentation has been developed to characterize the thin-film, self-assembly process in situ. This new capability is complemented by Sandia's established expertise in ambient pressure processing of highly porous aerogel powders, monoliths, and films. Applications Inorganic membranes for natural gas purification, isomer separation, ultra-filtration of water, and NOx and CO2 management. Sensors with high surface area and selective adsorption capabilities to sensor platforms such as surface acoustic wave, fiber optic and attenuated total reflection FTIR. Catalysts with stabilized nanometals in high surface area thin film or particulate inorganic supports; improved processes for coating automotive catalytic converters; and catalytic membrane reactors. Low dielectric constant interlayer dielectrics for next-generation microelectronics. Low refractive index coatings for AR and light-pipe technologies. Fillers for organic encapsulants. Tough, hard coatings for plastics and optical elements. Photosensitive, electrically conductive coatings. Highly porous aerogels for thermal insulation. Potential Benefits A simple, inexpensive, robust, and efficient route to the continuous formation of nanostructured porous and composite materials in thin film and powder form. The ability to control pore size (with extreme uniformity) and connectivity and to introduce and combine a wide range of material compositions. The ability to tailor properties for a wide range of applications in membranes, sensors, photonics, and catalysts. The ability to produce multi-layer materials simultaneously as opposed to sequentially. Demonstrated Achievements Produced separation membranes for natural gas (CO2/methane separation) with the best demonstrated performance for separation factors and flux. Produced nanostructured catalysts and low k thin films. Developed preconcentrators and thin-film sensors as part of the ChemLab on a chip technology under development at Sandia National Laboratories. References Patents and pending patents in the areas of self assembly of porous nanostructured films and aerogel processing. Numerous publications (available upon request) on self-assembly processes. Winner of R&D 100 award (R&D magazine) and Outstanding Technology award from the Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Sandia is interested in partnering with industry to further develop reliability and failure analysis of glass and ceramic components. Companies interested in partnering with Sandia should be willing to sponsor a collaborative project via a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Sandia. For further information please respond by mail or fax to Sheila Pounds by June 25, 1999 at Sandia National Laboratories, MS-1380, P. O. Box 5800, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-1380. Fax: (505) 843-4163. Please indicate the date and title of this CBD notice. E-MAIL: Sheila L. Pounds, slpound@sandia.gov. Posted 06/10/99 (W-SN341305).

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