Start up Launches World's biggest Nanoparticle Plant

The world’s first facility which is capable of producing thousands of different nanomaterials has been opened by Nottingham University spin-out Promethean Particles. The plant, which was developed as part of a pan-European nanomaterials research programme, is able to operate at supercritical conditions, producing up to 200 kg of nano-particles per hour, can manufacture over a thousand tonnes of nanomaterials every year. Nano particles are used in a variety of ways, in artificial bone, scratch proof coatings, printed electronics and flame retardant materials.

The SHYMAN (Sustainable Hydrothermal Manufacturing of Nanomaterials) project, which had a total value of €9.7 million, included partner universities and businesses from 12 European countries. Companies including Solvay, Fiat, PPG, Repsol and others, were all looking to have specific nanomaterial developed into commercial products in a variety of applications including healthcare, coatings and nanocomposites.

Speaking about the project, Professor Ed Lester, Technical Director of Promethean Particles said: “This new facility opens up a significant amount of new opportunities for us. We have already had a lot of interest from companies in a diverse range of sectors. From healthcare, where nanoparticles can be used in coatings on medical devices, to enhanced fabrics, where nanomaterials can add strength and flexibility to textiles, and in printed electronics, as we are able to print materials such as copper.”

The SHYMAN project was funded by the European Union’s Framework Programme 7 (FP7), which enables universities and businesses across Europe to explore the potential of new technologies in industry.

Dr Susan Huxtable, Director of Intellectual Property and Commercialisation at The University of Nottingham, said: “These are very exciting times for Promethean Particles. The new facility opens up a myriad of opportunities for them to sell their services into new markets right across the world. It is a great example of how many of the technologies developed by academics here at The University of Nottingham have the potential to benefit both industry and society.”