NACE Code
M72

ENEA Technology

NANOSTRUCTURES: NANOPOWERS AND POROUS MATERIALS

Technology Readiness Level (TRL)

Innovations and Benefits

Production of nanopowders by laser pyrolysis with controlled dimensions and morphology. Ceramic nanopowders have mechanical, thermo-mechanical and functional properties which are superior compared to conventional materials. Nanostructures are widely used in many fields related to energy and the environment.

Use

The nanopowders produced by pyrolysis can be of different types: from ceramic materials, to ceramic oxides, such as Al₂O₃, TiO₂ and Fe₂O₃, to Si nanoparticles and silicon-containing materials such as SiC, Si₃N₄ or SiO₂. These can be used for structural applications in nanocomposites and for coatings as protective coatings in the Cultural Heritage sector. Therefore, once functionalized they can have wide applications also in the field of photonics and optoelectronics, as well as in vivo and in vitro imaging, in catalysis and heat exchange.

Applications and ongoing Activities

Nanocomposites have application prospects in the energy, biomedical and transport sectors.

Nanopowders have been used to make cooling nanofluids in a European project (HENIX) and to produce hydrophobic nanocomposites.

In the field of Cultural Heritage, the properties of polymeric protective coatings were investigated, where TiO₂ and SiO₂ nanoparticles were inserted inside.

The plant for the production of nanopowders by laser pyrolysis allows to obtain high purity powders and controlled stoichiometry. In this context, intense activity is aimed at optimizing the synthesis parameters for the production of functional controlled morphology nanopowders for applications in different technological sectors.

Contact person

“If you are interested in this technology/service, please send a message to eneaperlinnovazione@enea.it, by specifying the title of the technology/service of your interest, the reason for your request and your contacts or the contacts of a person from your organization/company.