Abstract: A method of forming ligated nanoparticles of the formula Y(Z)x, where Y is a nanoparticle selected from the group consisting of elemental metals having atomic numbers ranging from 21-34, 39-52, 57-83 and 89-102, all inclusive, the halides, oxides and sulfides of such metals, and the alkali metal and alkaline earth metal halides, and Z represents ligand moieties such as the alkyl thiols. In the method, a first colloidal dispersion is formed made up of nanoparticles solvated in a molar excess of a first solvent (preferably a ketone such as acetone), a second solvent different than the first solvent (preferably an organic aryl solvent such as toluene) and a quantity of ligand moieties; the first solvent is then removed under vacuum and the ligand moieties ligate to the nanoparticles to give a second colloidal dispersion of the ligated nanoparticles solvated in the second solvent. If substantially monodispersed nanoparticles are desired, the second dispersion is subjected to a digestive ripening process.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying biological agents and toxins such as Aflatoxins, Botulinum toxins, and Clostridium perfrigens toxins are provided wherein the substance to be destroyed is contacted with a finely divided metal oxide nanocrystals. In various embodiments, the metal oxide nanocrystals have reactive atoms stabilized on their surfaces, species adsorbed on their surfaces, or are coated with a second metal oxide. The desired metal oxide nanocrystals can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. The methods of the invention are safe for humans, equipment, and the environment, and provide for decontamination of warfare sites, of equipment exposed to the contaminant, and of soil, water and air having been exposed to the contaminant. Preferred metal oxides for the methods include MgO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, ZnO and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A topical skin protectant formulation containing a barrier cream and a active moiety for protecting warfighters and civilians against all types of harmful chemicals, specifically chemical warfare agents (CWAs). The topical skin protectant offers a barrier property and an active moiety that serves to neutralize chemical warfare agents into less toxic agents.

Abstract: A topical skin protectant formulation containing a barrier cream and an active moiety for protecting warfighters and civilians against all types of harmful chemicals, specifically chemical warfare agents (CWA's). The topical skin protectant offers a barrier property and an active moiety that serves to neutralize chemical warfare agents into less toxic agents.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying biological agents such as toxins and bacteria are provided wherein the substance to be destroyed is contacted with finely divided metal oxide or hydroxide nanocrystals. In various embodiments, the metal oxide or metal hydroxide nanocrystals have reactive atoms stabilized on their surfaces, species adsorbed on their surfaces, or are coated with a second metal oxide. The desired metal oxide or metal hydroxide nanocrystals can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. Preferred metal oxides for the methods include MgO, SrO, BaO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O3, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, SiO2, ZnO, Ag2O, [Ce(NO3)3—Cu(NO3)2]TiO2, Mg(OH)2, Ca(OH)2, Al(OH)3, Sr(OH)2, Ba(OH)2, Fe(OH)3, Cu(OH)3, Ni(OH)2, Co(OH)2, Zn(OH)2, AgOH, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Pelletized adsorbent compositions and methods of adsorbing toxic target compounds are provided for the destructive adsorption or chemisorption of toxic or undesired compounds. The pelletized adsorbents are formed by pressing together powder nanocrystalline particles comprising a metal hydroxide or a metal oxide at pressures of from about 50 psi to about 6000 psi to form discrete self-sustaining bodies. The pelletized bodies should retain at least about 25% of the surface area/unit mass and total pore volume of the starting metal particles.

Abstract: Particulate metal oxide compositions having reactive atoms stabilized on particulate surfaces and methods for reacting the compositions with saturated and unsaturated species are provided. The preferred particulate metal oxides of the compositions are nanocrystalline MgO and CaO with an average crystallite size of up to about 20 nm. The preferred reactive atoms of the compositions are atoms of the halogens and Group IA metals. In one embodiment, chlorine atoms are stabilized on the surface of nanocrystalline MgO thus forming a composition which is capable of halogenating compounds, both saturated and unsaturated, in the absence of UV light and elevated reaction temperatures.

Abstract: A method is provided for destroying a target component, such as hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, diethyl-4-nitrophenylphosphate (paraoxon), 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES), dimethylmethylphosphonate (DMMP), bacteria such as Bacillus Cereus, Bacillus Globigii, Chlamydia and/or Rickettsiae, fungi and viruses, by contacting the target component with an adsorbent such as MgO, CaO, TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2, FeO, V.sub.2 O.sub.5, V.sub.2 O.sub.3, Mn.sub.2 O.sub.3, Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, NiO, CuO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, ZnO and mixtures thereof wherein the adsorbent contains either reactive atoms selected from the group consisting of halogens and alkali metals stabilized on the surfaces of the adsorbent or ozone and wherein the contacting is conducted at a temperature of -40 to 600.degree. C. for a time period of at least about 4 seconds. The adsorbent may be in the form of solids having a size of about 3 to 20 nanometers or in the form of pellets having a size of at least 1 millimeter.

Abstract: Composite nanoparticles comprising an elemental metal core surrounded by a metal-containing shell material are described wherein the particles have an average diameter of from about 5-500 nm; the core metal is preferably selected from the group consisting of the transition metals and especially Fe, Co and Ni, whereas the shell material is advantageously a metal such as an alkaline earth metal, or a metal salt such as a metal oxide or metal halide. The shell material is preferably more oxophilic than the elemental core material, enabling the core metal to remain purely metallic. These core/shell composite particles can be used to fabricate magnetizable recording media such as tapes and disks.

Abstract: Methods for adsorbing toxic target chemical compounds such as HCN, P(O)(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3)(CN)(N(CH.sub.3).sub.2), ClCN, (CF.sub.3).sub.2 C.dbd.CF.sub.2, Zn(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3).sub.2, Hg(CH.sub.3).sub.2, Fe(CO).sub.5, (P)(O)(CH.sub.3)(F)[OCH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 ], S(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 Cl).sub.2, C.sub.6 H.sub.5 C(O)CH.sub.2 Cl, C(O)Cl.sub.2, C.sub.6 Cl.sub.5 OH, C.sub.6 H.sub.3 (OH)(NO.sub.2).sub.3, C.sub.6 H.sub.5 (Br)(CN), C.sub.6 H.sub.5 CH.sub.2 CN and (CF.sub.3)C.dbd.CF.sub.2 are provided wherein such compounds (either as gases, liquids or solids) are contacted with nanoscale oxide adsorbents, such as MgO and CaO, preferably at a temperature in the range of -70 to 90.degree. C. and at atmospheric pressure. The preferred adsorbents have an average particle size of from about 1-20 nm, and have a total pore volume of at least about 0.5 cc/g.

Abstract: Finely divided composite materials are provided comprising a first metal oxide (e.g., MgO) at least partially coated with an extremely thin layer of a second metal oxide selected from the group consisting of the transition metal oxides such as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. The composites are very effective for the destructive adsorption of undesirable fluids in gaseous or liquid form, such as chlorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons. In use, a fluid stream including undesirable fluids are contacted with the composites of the invention, such as through the use of a filter containing the composite as a part of the filter media thereof.

Abstract: Finely divided composite materials are provided comprising a first metal oxide (e.g., MgO) at least partially coated with an extremely thin layer of a second metal oxide selected from the group consisting of the transition metal oxides such as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. The composites are very effective for the destructive adsorption of undesirable fluids in gaseous or liquid form, such as chlorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons. In use, a fluid stream including undesirable fluids are contacted with the composites of the invention, such as through the use of a filter containing the composite as a part of the filter media thereof.

Abstract: Finely divided composite materials are provided comprising a first metal oxide (e.g., MgO) at least partially coated with an extremely thin layer of a second metal oxide such as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. The composites have a high surface area and are very effective for the destructive adsorption of undesirable fluids in gaseous or liquid form, such as chlorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons. In use, a fluid stream including undesirable fluids are contacted with the composites of the invention, such as through the use of a filter containing the composite as a part of the filter media thereof.

Abstract: Continuous metal coatings are deposited on substrates from stable solvent dispersions of solvated clusters of metal particles by evaporating solvent from the dispersions. The coatings consist of organic solvent-solvated colloidal metal particles, which provide continuous, electrically-conductive layers.

Abstract: Activated bimetallic heterogeneous catalysts are provided comprising a catalyst support having deposited thereon a solvated dispersion of cobalt and manganese. The manganese activates the catalytic activity of the cobalt.