Particle Technology Laboratory PTL

Prof. Sotiris C. Pratsinis

Founded in 1998, the PTL professes on education of the fundamentals of particle science and engineering through research specializing on dry synthesis of catalysts, electronic, food, pharmaceutical dental and other materials. The PTL has been focusing on innovation and effective scientific communication and leadership in this field in the international academic and industrial communities.

Highlights of the PTL research activity include the demonstration, for the first time, that dry (flame) synthesis of nanoparticles is an effective technology for manufacture of a spectrum of products such as heterogeneous catalysts, quantum dots, dental and fuel cell materials to name just a few. Together with Prof. Baiker at D-CHAB a number of highly efficient catalysts have been developed such as vanadia-titania for conversion of NOx to harmless nitrogen or Pt-alumina for enantioselective synthesis of pharmaceuticals (see figure). Also with Prof. Gauckler a fundamental study of electrospray deposition was carried out that allowed optimal design for deposition of electroceramic films with controlled texture from first principles. In collaboration with Nestle, a fundamental engineering study was carried unveiling the role of particle structure on the controlled release of flavors and aromas from solid food products. In collaboration with Ivoclar-Vivadent in Lichtenstein, advanced, radioopaque, low-wear nanostructured dental fillings have been developed for the first time.

Flame synthesis of a Pt/Al2O3 catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation. The open structure of the material results in very high reaction rates during the catalytic synthesis of pharmaceutical products (courtesy of R. Strobel, W.J. Stark, L. Mädler, S.E. Pratsinis and A. Baiker).

Since 2002 one Habilitation and eight PhD degrees have been awarded by PTL while five patent applications have been filed and one patent has been awarded.