Hollow Nanoparticles with High Hollowness and Good Dispersion

NineSigma, representing a major chemical manufacturer, seeks a technology for synthesis of hollow nanoparticles with high hollowness and good dispersion in organic solvents. Proposals for nanoparticles of any material will be widely sought as long as the requirements of the hollowness and dispersion in organic solvents are met.

Requirements of the technology

• Hollow nanoparticles to be synthesized

　　　○ External diameter: 100 nm or less, preferably  20–50 nm

　　　○ Thickness: Preferably as thin as possible to achieve high hollowness.
               (The guideline thickness is approximately one-fifth of the external diameter.)

　　　○ Should not be dissolved, but rather be well dispersed in organic solvents,
               such as MEK and PGMEA

　　　○ Material: Any material is acceptable as long as the above mentioned
               requirements of the external diameter, thickness, and dispersion are met.

• Hollow particles with the above properties should be synthesized in order for the particle diameter and thickness to be as uniform as possible.

At this point, regardless of productivity and mass production, the client is first seeking proposals for a technology that can synthesize hollow nanoparticles as described above, including ones on a lab scale, from a wide range of organizations.

• Organizations with a technology for synthesis of hollow nanoparticles that have already fulfilled the client's requirements
• Organizations that have the following knowledge relating to hollow nanoparticle synthesis technologies, and are eager to collaborate on development with the client to meet the requirements:
  • Sol-gel process
  • Hydrothermal method
  • Precipitation method
  • Approach using supercritical fluid
  • Other

The following approaches are not of interest:

• Approach still at a concept level

Hollow nanoparticles have a hollow space (air space) inside the particle, which makes their optical and dielectric properties different from those of normal particles. Owing to these characteristics, it is anticipated that hollow nanoparticles can be used in multiple applications in various fields.

Taking advantage of the above properties, the client strives to develop hollow nanoparticles that can be used as components for optical and electric materials; however, a technology for the synthesis of hollow nanoparticles with both high hollowness and good dispersion in organic solvents that are required by the client has yet to be established.

Therefore, the client had issued this open request to accelerate development of such technology.

NineSights, the platform of NineSigma’s Open Innovation community, allows you to manage all your proposals. Please contact the Solution Provider Help Desk phd2@ninesigma.com for assistance about registration and proposal submission.

Proposal may include the following items along the response form shown by clicking the “Respond” button.

• Overview, principle, and uniqueness of the technology
• Development stage (on a lab scale/on a pilot scale/already commercialized)
• Current performance
  • Material
  • Particle diameter
  • Thickness
  • Dispersion in organic solvents
  • Uniformity of manufactured particles
  • Anticipated applications of hollow nanoparticles under development
• Conditions of sample testing (amount of sample that can be provided, cost, period, necessity of NDAs, etc.)
• Current challenges and future plans to fulfill the client’s requirements
• Past achievements (e.g. additional information supporting the R&D capabilities, such as research papers and patents)
• Organization overview

Proposal shall have clear points and should not include confidential information. Supplemental files may be submitted in addition to the proposal.

After reviewing submitted proposals, the client possibly ask clarifying questions before selecting the most suitable candidates for collaboration. The client will select best candidates through evaluations. During the selection process, the client may execute NDA with selected respondents, seek further information disclosure, and discuss specific development targets or potential opportunities.

The client will execute necessary agreements with the selected respondents and move to the advanced development phase. Specifics of any collaboration will be determined through consultation with the concerned parties.

The client will evaluate all responses with the following criteria.

• Overall scientific and technical merit
• Approach to proof of concept or performance
• Economic potential of concept
• Realism of the proposed plan (action items, timeline, roles, deliverables, cost estimation)
• Potential for proprietary position
• Respondents’ capability and related experiences