Process for Synthesizing Nanoparticles from at Least One Element from the Group Formed by the Group of Non-Precious Metals and Antimony, and Nanoparticles

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The invention discloses an environmentally-friendly, solvent-free bottom-up process for synthesizing nanoparticles made from non-precious metals and/or antimony. The method involves grinding a metal precursor with a reducing agent (such as sodium borohydride) in a dry, mechanochemical milling procedure, resulting in nanoparticles with controlled size (typically 10 to 200 nm) and high purity (ligand-free surfaces). This process is applicable to a wide range of metals and alloy combinations, and is easily scalable for industrial production.

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• Production of high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries, which require abundant and low-cost elements such as tin or iron.
• Manufacture of tailored nanoparticle alloys for use in catalysis, sensors, or electronic components.
• Creation of advanced materials for magnetic, thermoelectric, or other functional devices by synthesizing custom metal or semiconductor nanoparticle systems.
• Supply of ligand-free metal nanoparticles for applications in medicine, imaging, or as reference standards in analytical chemistry.
• Sustainable industrial-scale nanoparticle synthesis where use of hazardous solvents is to be avoided.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Solvent-free and additive-free process reduces environmental impact, operational hazards, and waste compared to conventional wet chemistry routes.
• Scalable and energy-efficient synthesis suitable for large-scale industrial production.
• Allows precise control over nanoparticle size and composition, including alloy and composite structures.
• Produces high-purity nanoparticles with clean surfaces (no ligands), which is advantageous for catalysis, energy storage, and further functionalization.
• Versatile methodology applicable to a wide range of metals (e.g., tin, iron, cobalt, antimony) and their alloys, not limited to noble metals.
• Room-temperature operation further reduces energy use and simplifies equipment needs.
• Elimination of solvents and capping agents lowers raw material costs and accelerates overall production.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a process for synthesizing nanoparticles from at least one element from the group formed by the group of non-precious metals and antimony and to nanoparticles, the process comprising an infeed step wherein exclusively a precursor or a mixture of precursors and a reducing agent, especially an inorganic hydride, are provided. The process comprises a dry-grinding step wherein the precursor and the reducing agent are ground to give a powder mixture comprising the nanoparticles of non-precious metal and/or antimony or the nanoparticles and one or more additional components, especially one or more by-products and/or one or more unreacted species. The invention further relates to nanoparticles produced by the process.