NanoMaterials Commercialization
Company Portfolio

To date, the Center has invested in 15 companies developing products that use novel applications of nanotechnology. As you can see, each company is unique, as is the diversity of projects supported by the Center. Each of the companies obtained the support of the Center via submission of a winning proposal during one of the Center’s previous funding rounds.

The Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center is proud to support and to be affiliated with the following companies (most recent first):

ICx Technologies, Inc. (Pre-Commercialization Project)

In collaboration with The Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center, ICx Technologies is developing a process for production of molecules that are identical to diesel fuel.  This “next generation biofuel” is designed to be a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based fuels.  It can represent an improvement over current biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel for three primary reasons.  First, it has the potential to be compatible with existing infrastructure, such as engines and fuel delivery.  Second, it can be compatible with multiple sources of energy, such as direct sunlight, cellulose or even manure.  Finally, it can be independent of food-related energy sources and, as a result, neither competes with food production nor impacts food prices.  ICx Technologies is a leader in the development and integration of advanced biotechnologies for commercial and government applications.

The Pennsylvania State University (Pre-Commercialization Project)

The pre-commercialization project is supporting researchers at Penn State University as they develop and commercialize an advanced graphene-based nanocomposite for electrochemical energy storage applications such as Li-ion battery and supercapacitors. The novel graphene-based nanocomposite will have high energy density and/or high power in the energy storage devices, and it can also significantly improve electrode kinetic and cycling stability for energy storage techniques. The team’s previous successful experiences in technology commercialization will help accelerating the commercialization of graphene-based nanocomposite for electrochemical energy storage dramatically.

Industrial Learning Systems, Inc.

The Center is supporting Industrial Learning Systems (iLS) Inc., to develop a novel silicon wafering technology for the continuous production of nano structured solar cells. The project is based on the patented technology filed through Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and licensed to iLS. In this project, the light capturing ability of the wafer is improved by chemical texturization and nano-architectures to increase the surface area and reduce the reflectivity. This provides enhanced light absorption and solar conversion efficiency. The proposed wafering and texturization process has the potential to reduce the wafer cost by a factor of 4 or more relative to the current technology, so that solar electricity will reach grid parity at about 40-60c/kW.

Crystalplex Corporation

Crystalplex has developed proprietary quantum dot (QD) technology for solid state lighting applications. The Crystalplex technology enables the manufacture of more cost-effective and efficient solid state light sources (light engines), at performance levels beyond the reach of current rare-earth phosphor-based white LEDs. It also enables the production of RGB white light engines for LCD backlight units (BLUs) with markedly improved performance. Crystalplex plans to use the PANCC grant to build and characterize QD-LED prototypes. These prototypes will lead to the joint development of commercial subassemblies for solid state luminaires and LCD BLUs with our commercial partners. These light engine sub-assembly applications are the ideal commercial entry point for Crystalplex’s QD technology.

Illuminex Corporation

In partnership with Illuminex Corporation, the Center is funding the commercialization of a novel Copper-Silicon Nanostructured Anode for the next generation of Lithium-ion Batteries, LIB. Silicon is an attractive anode material because it has a low discharge potential and the highest known theoretical charge capacity (4,200 mAh g-1). However bulk silicon expands (up to 400%) as it reacts with lithium, and disintegrates from the stress, preventing the successful implementation of silicon in LIB’s so far. The Illuminex Copper-Silicon Nanostructure, consisting of an array of Cu core-Si shell nanowires, provides a high quantity of silicon in a thin film configuration which expands homogeneously minimizing stress, and has ductile behavior accommodating any existing stress. This technology will lead to higher energy density LIB’s used extensively in portable electronics and will significantly benefit the development of Electric Vehicles.

Kurt J. Lesker Company

The Center is supporting Kurt J. Lesker Company (KJLC), in partnership with Integran Technologies USA for the commercial development of nCu (high purity Copper) sputtering targets used in the fabrication of the latest generation semiconductor devices. This next generation product will be manufacturedusing Nanovate™ technology, a novel process technique, developed by project partner, Integran Technologies USA. Integran’s advanced material technology combined with the global presence and manufacturing experience of the Kurt J. Lesker Co. creates a unique and global opportunity for both semiconductor and materials customers.

NanoLambda, Inc.

The Center is continuing to support NanoLambda as they develop an ultra compact, highly accurate LED color (wavelength) monitoring sensor with 2nm accuracy. The sensor combines an innovative nano-optic filter array technology and high throughput monolithic nanoimprint process for low cost pilot production. The sensor will monitor the color quality of LEDs for the color consistency over time and temperature, which is one of the biggest challenges in the soon-to-explode LED markets.

nanoGriptech, LLC

The Center is supporting the commercialization of novel gecko foot-hairs inspired polymer fibrillar adhesives technology withnanoGriptech,LLC, a spin-offcompanyfrom Carnegie Mellon University. These materials mimic the nano- and micro-fibers that provide geckos and anumber of other animals with their ability to grip strongly and repeatedly to smooth and rough surfaces even in wet and dirty outdoors conditions. This project will allow design, manufacturing, material selection, and testing of polymer fibrillar adhesives for new commercial sportswear applications in collaboration with a leading company in the sporting goods industry and a leading materials company.

Arkema, Inc.

The Center is supporting Arkema Inc, in partnership with Lehigh University, as they develop and commercialize their Nanostrength ® block copolymer technology for toughening epoxies in wind energy and electronic materials applications. This technology will be extremely valuable in wind energy applications where there is a demand for increased reliability of the wind blades without sacrificing strength. Likewise, in electronic materials, higher operating and processing temperatures have necessitated increased resistance to crack propagation without sacrificing the Tg of the epoxy. Arkema’s Nanostrength ® block copolymer and BlocBuilder ® controlled radical polymerization technology are also valuable in a wide variety of adhesive, coating and composite applications.

Strategic Polymer Sciences, Inc.

The Center is supporting Strategic Polymer Sciences, Inc. (SPS) as they develop and commercialize an advanced nanostructured polymer hybrid capacitor film and prototype capacitors for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). The novel capacitor will have high energy density, high reliability, and it can significantly reduce the size and cost of ICDs, enabling wide accessibility to millions of Americans threatened by sudden cardiac arrest disease. The company is a spin-off from The Pennsylvania State University with an exclusive license of the electro active polymer technologies invented by Dr. Qiming Zhang. They capacitor film made from SPS electropolymers can be commercially produced with thicknesses less than three micrometers and can be used in a variety of applications, such as medical devices, microelectronics, power electronics, hybrid electrical vehicles and military weapon systems.

Bayer MaterialScience, LLC

The Center is supporting Bayer MaterialScience, LLC to develop flexible sensing films using Baytubes® carbon nanotubes. Theproject is in partnership with Quality of Life Technology Center, which was founded jointly by Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh. The sensing films utilize the mechanical properties of Baytubes® carbon nanotubes which provide electrical conductivity through their large surface area. By leveraging the benefits of the nanotubes in the final product, the technology will potentially provide flexibility, durability and customization to prevent pressure sores and deep tissue damage in wheelchair users.

Y-Carbon, Inc.

The Center is supporting the commercialization of Y-Carbon’s innovative nanoporous carbon technology for supercapacitors. Y-Carbon’s ground-breaking technology is based on the platform of making tunable nanoporous carbon. Its core mission is to develop and promote this award-winning (R&D 100 and NANO 50™) technology for the production of novel nanostructured carbon materials with precisely defined structure, porosity, and surface chemistry. The ability to tailor the properties of porous carbon materials is unique to Y-Carbon, thus providing a quantum leap in performance when used as electrodes in supercapacitors. With collaborative effort from the Center, Y-Carbon will be develop and market high energy density and high-power density supercapacitors for a variety of electrical energy storage and management applications, including electronics, automotive industry and backup power.

Plextronics^SM, Inc.

In conjunction with Plextronics^SM, Inc., the Center is funding a new, high performing active layer technology for organic photovoltaic solar cell known as Plexcore™ PV. This project will develop a new generation of polymer-based inks that will increase solar conversion efficiency and extend the life of existing organic semiconductor devices. Improved performance organic solar cells will enable rapid commercial expansion of zero emission solar energy generation, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

During the course of this Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Center project, Plextronics, Inc. will evaluate the semi-continuous processing of flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices which could lead to broad commercialization of this new solar cell technology. With proven expertise in materials synthesis, ink formulation and OPV device fabrication - which has resulted in world-record device efficiency - Plextronics is poised to implement a successful program for low-cost processing of large area flexible OPV devices that can find applications in various fields in either military or commercial sector.

Integran Technologies USA

In partnership with Integran Technologies USA, the Center is funding the commercialization of a new nanomaterials coaxial wire technology. This novel wire technology will increase the durability of lightweight electrical wiring systems, and will benefit weight reduction and energy efficiency initiatives in the transportation sector. This project will help to establish the new wire technology as a fully proven, mass production-ready process and to create a new technology and market support center in Pittsburgh to serve the wiring industry across the U.S.

HydroGen Corportion

The Center is funding HydroGen Corporation to develop and manufacture enhanced performance hydrogen fuel cell electrodes. The new electrodes will use novel carbon nanotubes to improve the performance and lifetime of the electrodes, thereby reducing overall costs for fuel cell operations. This project will allow HydroGen to manufacture an improved fuel cell electrode and expand its fuel cell business worldwide.