Nucleus-shell Particle

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention provides a novel type of nucleus-shell particle composed of a magnetic nanoparticle core and a hydrophilic, functionalized molecular shell. The shell is architected as a monolayer with a three-dimensional cage structure, selectively binding metal ions (cations), including radioactive and toxic metals. Once these ions are captured in contaminated liquids (such as wastewater), an external magnetic field is used to easily collect and remove the particles and the bound contaminants.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Purifying industrial or municipal wastewater of heavy metals and radioactive ions.
• Decontaminating water following nuclear accidents, such as the extraction of radioactive isotopes like cesium-137.
• Selective removal of toxic metals from chemical process streams or laboratory waste.
• Recycling or recovery of valuable metals from dilute solutions in a controlled, low-cost manner.
• Medical diagnostics or treatments involving selective extraction of metal ions from biological fluids.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly selective binding and extraction capabilities for different types of metal cations by tuning the shell chemistry.
• Enables efficient, quick, and scalable separation of toxic or radioactive metals from liquids.
• The use of magnetic cores allows for easy retrieval and separation using an external magnetic field, minimizing secondary contamination and facilitating reuse.
• Environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods like precipitation, evaporation, or ion exchange.
• Reduces the volume of hazardous residues and decreases the need for complex processing equipment.
• The stable, robust design allows for multiple or long-term uses of the particles.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a nucleus-shell particle (31, 61, 87), comprising a nucleus (35, 71, 89) containing a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles (33, 91), and a shell (37, 69, 93) surrounding the nucleus (35, 71, 89) and designed as a monolayer (39, 67), wherein the shell (37, 69, 93) comprises matrix molecules (41, 63) forming a hydrophilic matrix (43) and a plurality of different functionalized molecules (45, 65), and wherein the functionalized molecules (45, 65) are integrated in the matrix (43) such that the shell (37, 69, 93) is designed to have a three-dimensional cage structure (47, 73, 76, 77, 78) for selective binding of metallic cations (83). The invention further relates to a method for separating metallic cations (63) from a liquid (65), wherein corresponding nucleus-shell particles (31, 61, 87) are used.