Filing Information

Inventor(s)	Burkhard Raguse · Vijoleta Lucija Bronislava Braach-Maksvytis ·
Assignee(s)	Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation ·  View assignee updates
Attorney/Agent(s)	Christie, Parker and Hale, LLP ·
Primary Examiner	Robert Kunemund ·
Application Number	US10089820
Filing date	10/05/2000
PCT 371 date	07/31/2002
Issue date	01/10/2006
Predicted expiration date	05/09/2022
Patent term adjustment	581
U.S. Classifications	117/73  · 117/78  · 117/68  ·
International Classifications	C30B1904  ·
Kind Code	B1
PCT Application Number	WO20PCTAU0001210 - 10/05/2000
PCT Publication Number	WO200125316 - 04/12/2001
Foreign Priority	AUPQ3264 - 10/05/1999 ·

Patent Family

Abstract

The present invention provides nanoparticle film and methods of making such films. The nanoparticle film comprises a three dimensional cross-linked array of nanoparticles and linker molecules. The nanoparticle film is coherent, robust and self supporting. The film may be produced by adding linker molecules to a suspension of nanoparticles. The linker molecules form cross-links between the nanoparticles. Prior to completion of the cross-linking reaction the cross-linked nanoparticles are separated from the suspension.

Independent Claims | See all claims (38)

1. 1. A method of forming a coherent nanoparticle film, the method comprising the following steps: (i) adding to a suspension of nanoparticles linker molecules which form cross-links between the nanoparticles to start a cross-linking reaction; and (ii) separating the cross-linked nanoparticles from the suspension prior to completion of the cross-linking reaction to obtain a coherent nanoparticle film.
2. 5. A method of forming a multilayer film comprising at least two layers of coherent nanoparticle film, the method comprising the following steps: (i) adding to a suspension of nanoparticles linker molecules which form cross-links between the nanoparticles to start a cross-linking reaction; (ii) passing the suspension from step (i) through a porous support prior to completion of the cross-linking reaction to form a nanoparticle film on the porous support; (iii) adding to a further suspension comprising nanoparticles linker molecules which form cross-links between the nanoparticles to start a cross-linking reaction; (iv) passing the further suspension from step (iii) through the nanoparticle film of step (ii) and the porous support prior to completion of the cross-linking reaction to form a further nanoparticle film; and (v) optionally repeating steps (iii) and (iv).
3. 24. A nanoparticle film comprising a three dimensional cross-linked array of nanoparticles and linker molecules in which the nanoparticle film is coherent, robust and self supporting.