Columbia Technology Ventures

Simple and effective method to produce zirconia doped ceria oxide, a catalyst in automotive exhaust systems to reduce pollution

Both governments and car manufacturers seek to reduce and regulate automotive emissions. Catalytic converters, now standard on newly-manufactured automobiles, use catalyzed chemical reactions to convert toxic byproducts to less harmful substances. Zirconium doped cerium oxide has ideal properties for use in catalytic converters. Thin films of nanoparticle catalysts offer increased surface areas, and therefore better catalytic effects. This technology describes a simple, effective method to mass produce zirconium doped ceria oxide nanoparticles.

Zirconia doped ceria oxide nano-particles are co-precipitated with hexamethylenetetramine

This technology involves mixing a solution of zirconium oxychloride and cerium nitrate with a mixture of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) to produce nanoparticles, which are separated from solution. By providing a fast initial mixing rate and controlling reaction time, nanoparticles of a specific size range can be prepared.

A comparatively high yield was achieved with this technology compared to other nano-particle synthesis methods.

Lead Inventor:

Siu-Wai Chan, Ph.D.

Applications:

  • Mass production of zirconium doped ceria oxide for catalytic converts
  • Reduction and regulation of toxic emissions

Advantages:

  • Produces nano-particles in a specific size range
  • Comparatively simple procedure versus prior art
  • Produces at least partially crystalline product

Patent information:

Patent Issued (US 7,449,163)

Tech Ventures Reference: IR M02-049

Related Publications: