Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

<p>The development of new and improved materials relies on engineering nanocomposites from the nano- to the macro-scale. Spray drying nanomaterial dispersions is a processing method capable of controlling nanostructure while producing micron-sized powders that can be shaped or formed into macroscopic parts and devices. The technique involves aerosolizing materials dispersed in liquid into droplets of tunable size; as the aerosol moves through the temperature controlled system, the droplets dry by evaporation resulting in the final powder product.&nbsp;Spray drying is also one of the most commonly used industrial-scale methods to produce micron-sized powders, for a variety of industries ranging from chemicals and materials production, to food, agriculture and pharmaceuticals. Only recently have laboratory-scale systems become available that enable the use of reasonable sample volumes and collection efficiencies necessary for processing high value drugs and nanomaterials. The requested Nano Spray Drying System is specifically designed to efficiently collect small sample volumes, and unlike most systems, is also capable of aerosolizing and drying dispersions from both aqueous and non-aqueous solvents. This provides the flexibility to create nanostructured powders from effectively any material/solvent system.</p> <p>A multidisciplinary team of researchers at UW will use this system to develop advanced materials for applications in drug design and delivery, improved nanocomposites for energy storage, and custom-materials for advanced manufacturing strategies via powder-based 3D printing. It will be used to intimately combine various nanomaterials such as graphene with ionic liquids and solid-state electrolytes to create improved energy storage devices. The system will enable custom nanostructured powders to be generated and pressed to form electrodes with controlled porosity and density. Specifically, the nanocomposite powders produced will be used to 3D print complex structures ranging from custom bone replacements to fully printed batteries and supercapacitors. The system will also enable researchers both at UW&rsquo;s School of Pharmacy and main campus to develop solid drug formulations and aerosol-based drug delivery methods &ndash; an effort not possible with UW&rsquo;s current infrastructure. The flexibility of the requested Nano Spray Drying system to handle effectively any chemical or material system is expected to lead to many more applications and the formation of new and diverse collaborations. This equipment will provide a unique training opportunity for highly qualified personnel (HQP). It will require HQP to foster knowledge in colloid and interfacial engineering, drying dynamics and drying induced flows and the fluid mechanics of aerosolized particles, readying them for careers in diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, energy materials and advanced manufacturing.</p>