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[August 2008]
MemPro Ceramics Receives $500,000 Grant
MemPro Ceramics Corporation (Copper Mountain, CO, USA) has been awarded a US$500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to continue development of a new class of catalytic filters for pollution control. Initial research on this technology began in 1996 at the University of Akron under the direction of Professors Darrell Reneker and George Chase. MemPro began product research in January 2007 and in February 2008 became the university’s exclusive licensee of the technology for pollution control applications.The company received its first research grant of US$150,000 under the Small Business Technology Transfer programme in November 2006. In November 2007 the National Science Foundation made an additional grant of US$50,000 to MemPro to encourage continuation of discoveries. The current US$500,000 grant is intended to cover research and development costs through to June 2010. Since 2006, MemPro has committed over US$400,000 in funding to the University of Akron to carry out tests and optimisation of production techniques to make ceramic nanofibres that hold tiny particles of catalysts.
Catalysts are used to convert hazardous gases from engine exhaust into harmless components of air – primarily oxygen and nitrogen. Catalysts are also used by the power generation industry to reduce pollutants and to satisfy air quality standards established by the US Environmental Protection Agency. The University of Akron’s technology allows small amounts of catalysts to do the big job of cleaning exhaust streams.
In 2007 MemPro researchers realised that the small amount of catalyst required in the ceramic nanofibre format could lead to lower cost catalytic converters, potentially replacing those now used in the automotive industry. MemPro is currently working with the outdoor power equipment industry (small scale engines) and with the electric power generation industry (large power plants) to develop new products for these industries.
In a related matter, the University of Akron Research Foundation has appointed MemPro Ceramics Corporation exclusive licensee for the application of ceramic nanofibre technology in pollution control applications. The university’s foundation is responsible for technology transfer and licensing of inventions made by professors and students at this north-east Ohio university. Kenneth Preston, Director of Technology Transfer for the University of Akron commented: “We are delighted that MemPro has been able to define applications for our nanofibre technology. Their dedication to market and business development makes MemPro an excellent business partner for this very large opportunity.”
www.mempro.com
ENDS