SBIR Phase I: Immobilization of Catalyzed Metal Oxide Nanofibers for Advanced Catalyst Support Structures

这个小企业创新研究的第一阶段项目将解决将陶瓷纳米纤维固定在催化应用的刚性陶瓷支撑结构上的具体技术障碍。在与最终用户和战略合作伙伴的讨论中，提出了对纤维支撑陶瓷纳米纤维的使用的具体担忧，即使用陶瓷微纤维形成复合基质，因为这些类型的支撑结构在操作过程中会造成严重的压力损失。这些材料在持续使用和特定应用条件下的耐久性也存在不确定性。生产一种刚性支撑结构的能力，可以有效地固定陶瓷纤维材料，用于高速和高温气体流动，这是一个巨大的市场机会。在本一期项目中，将研究各种陶瓷纤维固定策略，包括不同的粘结剂材料和程序，并根据粘合（固定）强度和效率对结果进行评估。粘合材料的整体性能也将被研究，并与目前建立的基于纤维支撑结构的标准进行比较。预计仔细选择和改进粘合剂和程序将允许为催化陶瓷纳米纤维开发一个稳定，刚性的支撑平台。该项目更广泛的影响/商业潜力将是开发刚性催化剂结构，整合催化陶瓷纳米纤维的独特性能。这将最大限度地有效利用催化材料，加强燃烧过程中温室气体的破坏，并从各种气体工艺流中捕获有害颗粒。生产热稳定催化剂结构的能力不仅提高了许多现有应用的效率，还将创造新的替代应用机会，有助于减少污染，降低特定产品的生产成本。该技术发展的一个体现是使用先进的陶瓷纳米纤维基材料来处理小型发动机的排气源。美国环保署估计，小型汽油发动机占全国碳氢化合物排放量的25%以上，占全国一氧化碳排放量的30%以上。目前，由于成本和性能的限制，还没有合理的技术来处理这些发动机的废气排放。该提案的核心技术创新有可能为这一环境问题提供解决方案，从而对环境产生积极影响。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will address the specific technical barrier of the immobilization of ceramic nanofibers to rigid ceramic support structures for catalysis applications. In discussions with end-users and strategic partners, specific concerns over the usage of fibrous supported ceramic nanofibers, i.e. the use of ceramic microfibers to form a composite matrix, have been raised, since these types of support structures can cause significant pressure losses during operation. There also is uncertainty as to the durability of these materials under continued use and specific application conditions. The ability to produce a rigid support structure that can effectively immobilize ceramic fiber materials for usage in high-velocity and high-temperature gas flows represents a large market opportunity. In this Phase I project, various ceramic fiber immobilization tactics will be investigated, including different binder materials and procedures, and the results will be assessed in terms of bonding (immobilization) strength and efficiency. The overall performance of the bonded materials will also be investigated and compared to currently established standards based upon fibrous support structures. It is anticipated that careful selection and refinement of binders and procedures will allow for the development of a stable, rigid support platform for catalyzed ceramic nanofibers. The broader impact/commercial potential of this project will be the development of rigid catalyst structures integrating the unique properties of catalyzed ceramic nanofibers. This will maximize the efficient use of catalytic materials, enhance the destruction of greenhouse gases from combustion processes, and capture harmful particulates from various gas process streams. The ability to produce thermally stable catalyst structures not only increases the efficiencies of many existing applications, it will create new and alternative application opportunities that can assist in pollution abatement and decrease production costs of specific products. One embodiment of the technology development is the use of advanced ceramic nanofiber based materials for the treatment of small-engine exhaust sources. The US EPA estimates that small gasoline engines account for greater than 25% of nationwide hydrocarbon emissions and 30% of total nationwide carbon monoxide emissions. Currently there is no sound technology to treat exhaust emissions from these engines, due primarily to cost and performance constraints. The technology innovation central to this proposal has the potential of providing a solution to this environmental concern, and thereby positively impacting the environment.