| Executive Summary: | Cosmas is a Brigham Young University Center of Excellence start-up to commercialize a simple/inexpensive method of making an almost unlimited array of custom designed nanoparticles. First, the process will prove to be the most inexpensive method available because it is energy conservative and very simple – mix common chemical starting materials and heat to a modest temperature (e.g., 300°C). Second, the method is extremely versatile and can easily make customized particles of almost any chemical composition. It will produce metal oxide, mixed metal oxide, metal or metal alloy nanoparticles of almost any transition metal or rare earth, and any number of these elements can be combined in exact ratios. These can be doped with elements from Groups I and II of the Periodic Table. They are highly crystalline and small with tight size distributions. Cosmas is collaborating with several national and international companies to develop products based upon its nanoparticles. The company is being funded by STTR, SBIR and COE grants as well as company contracts. It is operating in the university laboratory and is currently scaling up to pilot plant volumes. We are seeking funding of $500,000 to establish laboratory and pilot plant facilities. |
