Patents by Inventor Nicholas Leventis
Nicholas Leventis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20160102187Abstract: The present disclosure provides a series of new and improved porous polyamide aerogels derived from multifunctional aromatics that combine the high mechanical strength of aramids with the pore structure of aerogels. The polyamide aerogels have a hyperbranched structure, relatively low density, high porosity and may be derived from functionalized monomers having more aromatic groups than functional groups. The present disclosure also provides a new method for producing the porous polyamide aerogels by polymerizing an aromatic multifunctional carboxylic acid or a ferrocene multifunctional carboxylic acid with a polyfunctional aromatic isocyanate at moderate reaction conditions followed by drying with liquid CO2. Also disclosed are various methods of use of these polyamide aerogels in a variety of applications, particularly in the generation of various precious metal catalysts.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Malik Adnan Saeed
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Patent number: 9260581Abstract: The present disclosure provides a series of new and improved porous polyamide aerogels derived from multifunctional aromatics that combine the high mechanical strength of aramids with the pore structure of aerogels. The polyamide aerogels have a hyperbranched structure, relatively low density, high porosity and may be derived from functionalized monomers having more aromatic groups than functional groups. The present disclosure also provides a new method for producing the porous polyamide aerogels by polymerizing an aromatic multifunctional carboxylic acid or a ferrocene multifunctional carboxylic acid with a polyfunctional aromatic isocyanate at moderate reaction conditions followed by drying with liquid CO2. Also disclosed are various methods of use of these polyamide aerogels in a variety of applications.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: THE CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURIInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Malik Adnan Saeed
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Publication number: 20150284258Abstract: The present disclosure provides cost-effective sol-gel methods to produce nanostructured, nanoporous vanadium oxides from inexpensive vanadium halides of the formula VOX3. In one aspect, a synthetic method for preparing vanadium (IV,V) mixed oxide gels is described comprising epoxide-assisted gelation of a vanadium halide of the formula VOX3, such as VOCl3. The resulting aerogels are robust and possess similar morphology and reactivity to gels fabricated via the significantly more costly vanadium alkoxide methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2015Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Tyler Martin Fears, Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Jeffrey G. Winiarz
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Publication number: 20150267026Abstract: Nanoporous three-dimensional networks of polyurethane particles, e.g., polyurethane aerogels, and methods of preparation are presented herein. Such nanoporous networks may include polyurethane particles made up of linked polyisocyanate and polyol monomers. In some cases, greater than about 95% of the linkages between the polyisocyanate monomers and the polyol monomers are urethane linkages. To prepare such networks, a mixture including polyisocyanate monomers (e.g., diisocyanates, triisocyanates), polyol monomers (diols, triols), and a solvent is provided. The polyisocyanate and polyol monomers may be aliphatic or aromatic. A polyurethane catalyst is added to the mixture causing formation of linkages between the polyisocyanate monomers and the polyol monomers. Phase separation of particles from the reaction medium can be controlled to enable formation of polyurethane networks with desirable nanomorphologies, specific surface area, and mechanical properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: Aerogel Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Chakkaravarthy Chidambareswarapattar
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Publication number: 20150266983Abstract: Novel urethane-acrylate (UAC) Star monomers and polyurethane-acrylate (PUAC) aerogel polymers derived therefrom are described herein, along with other novel, related monomers and polymers. Also described herein are processes for preparing the UAC Star monomers, the PUAC aerogel polymers, and the other related monomers and polymers. The PUAC and related polymers herein are useful in various applications including in structural and thermal insulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: The Curators of the University of MissouriInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Abhishek Bang
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Patent number: 9068346Abstract: The invention is directed to a porous, acoustic attenuating composition, wherein the composition comprises a nanostructured material and wherein the composition exhibits acoustic transmission loss ranging from 20 to 60 dB/cm thickness of the composition.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignees: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, The Curators of the University of MissouriInventors: Hongbing Lu, Ning Xiang, Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis
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Publication number: 20150111976Abstract: The present disclosure provides a series of new and improved porous polyamide aerogels derived from multifunctional aromatics that combine the high mechanical strength of aramids with the pore structure of aerogels. The polyamide aerogels have a hyperbranched structure, relatively low density, high porosity and may be derived from functionalized monomers having more aromatic groups than functional groups. The present disclosure also provides a new method for producing the porous polyamide aerogels by polymerizing an aromatic multifunctional carboxylic acid or a ferrocene multifunctional carboxylic acid with a polyfunctional aromatic isocyanate at moderate reaction conditions followed by drying with liquid CO2. Also disclosed are various methods of use of these polyamide aerogels in a variety of applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Malik Adnan Saeed
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Patent number: 8927079Abstract: Nanoporous three-dimensional networks of polyurethane particles, e.g., polyurethane aerogels, and methods of preparation are presented herein. Such nanoporous networks may include polyurethane particles made up of linked polyisocyanate and polyol monomers. In some cases, greater than about 95% of the linkages between the polyisocyanate monomers and the polyol monomers are urethane linkages. To prepare such networks, a mixture including polyisocyanate monomers (e.g., diisocyanates, triisocyanates), polyol monomers (diols, triols), and a solvent is provided. The polyisocyanate and polyol monomers may be aliphatic or aromatic. A polyurethane catalyst is added to the mixture causing formation of linkages between the polyisocyanate monomers and the polyol monomers. Phase separation of particles from the reaction medium can be controlled to enable formation of polyurethane networks with desirable nanomorphologies, specific surface area, and mechanical properties.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Inventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Chakkaravarthy Chidambareswarapattar
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Patent number: 8877824Abstract: The present disclosure provides a series of new and improved porous polyamide aerogels derived from multifunctional aromatics that combine the high mechanical strength of aramids with the pore structure of aerogels. The polyamide aerogels have a hyperbranched structure, relatively low density, high porosity and are derived from functionalized monomers having more aromatic groups than functional groups. The present disclosure also provides a new method for producing the porous polyamide aerogels by polymerizing an aromatic multifunctional carboxylic acid with an isocyanate at moderate reaction condition followed by drying with liquid CO2.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Inventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Chakkaravarthy Chidambareswarapattar
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Publication number: 20140322122Abstract: Porous three-dimensional networks of polyimide and porous three-dimensional networks of carbon and methods of their manufacture are described. For example, polyimide aerogels are prepared by mixing a dianhydride and a diisocyanate in a solvent comprising a pyrrolidone and acetonitrile at room temperature to form a sol-gel material and supercritically drying the sol-gel material to form the polyimide aerogel. Porous three-dimensional polyimide networks, such as polyimide aerogels, may also exhibit a fibrous morphology. Having a porous three-dimensional polyimide network undergo an additional step of pyrolysis may result in the three dimensional network being converted to a purely carbon skeleton, yielding a porous three-dimensional carbon network. The carbon network, having been derived from a fibrous polyimide network, may also exhibit a fibrous morphology.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Aerogel Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Chakkaravarthy Chidambareswarapattar
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Publication number: 20130338247Abstract: The present disclosure provides a series of new and improved porous polyamide aerogels derived from multifunctional aromatics that combine the high mechanical strength of aramids with the pore structure of aerogels. The polyamide aerogels have a hyperbranched structure, relatively low density, high porosity and are derived from functionalized monomers having more aromatic groups than functional groups. The present disclosure also provides a new method for producing the porous polyamide aerogels by polymerizing an aromatic multifunctional carboxylic acid with an isocyanate at moderate reaction condition followed by drying with liquid CO2.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Chakkaravarthy Chidambareswarapattar
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Patent number: 8501319Abstract: A composite material that includes a dopant comprised of pre-formed, three dimensional assemblies of skeletal structures that are comprised of solgel derived nanoparticles. The composite material includes a chemically bonded, in situ formed, polymer coating that at least partially coats mesoporous surfaces of the nanoparticles to provide enhancement of random dispersion of the dopant and to minimize or avoid agglomeration. Further, the polymer may be functionalized or the mesoporous surfaces of the nanoparticles may be treated to enable stronger chemical bonding between the dopant and the polymer.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: The Curators of the University of Missouri, University of Missouri System, Office of Technology and Special ProjectsInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis
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Publication number: 20130085290Abstract: Cross-linked sol-gel like materials and cross-linked aerogels, as well as methods for making such cross-linked sol-gel like materials and cross-linked aerogels are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: Aerogel Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Leventis
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Patent number: 8394492Abstract: This invention comprises reinforced aerogel monoliths such as silica aerogels having a polymer coating on its outer geometric surface boundary, and to the method of preparing said aerogel monoliths. The polymer coatings on the aerogel monoliths are derived from polymer precursors selected from the group consisting of isocyanates as a precursor, precursors of epoxies, and precursors of polyimides. The coated aerogel monoliths can be modified further by encapsulating the aerogel with the polymer precursor reinforced with fibers such as carbon or glass fibers to obtain mechanically reinforced composite encapsulated aerogel monoliths.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Nicholas Leventis, James C. Johnston, Maria A. Kuczmarski, Mary Ann B. Meador
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Patent number: 8277676Abstract: Cross-linked sol-gel like materials and cross-linked aerogels, as well as methods for making such cross-linked sol-gel like materials and cross-linked aerogels are described.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Aerogel Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis
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Patent number: 8227363Abstract: Structurally stable and mechanically strong ceramic oxide aerogels are provided. The aerogels are cross-linked via organic polymer chains that are attached to and extend from surface-bound functional groups provided or present over the internal surfaces of a mesoporous ceramic oxide particle network via appropriate chemical reactions. The functional groups can be hydroxyl groups, which are native to ceramic oxides, or they can be non-hydroxyl functional groups that can be decorated over the internal surfaces of the ceramic oxide network. Methods of preparing such mechanically strong ceramic oxide aerogels also are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignees: Ohio Aerospace Institute, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Mary Ann B. Meador, James C. Johnston, Eve F. Fabrizio, Ulvi F. Ilhan
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Publication number: 20120152846Abstract: Porous three-dimensional networks of polyurea and porous three-dimensional networks of carbon and methods of their manufacture are described. In an example, polyurea aerogels are prepared by mixing an triisocyanate with water and a triethylamine to form a sol-gel material and supercritically drying the sol-gel material to form the polyurea aerogel. Subjecting the polyurea aerogel to a step of pyrolysis may result in a three dimensional network having a carbon skeleton, yielding a carbon aerogel. The density and morphology of polyurea aerogels can be controlled by varying the amount of isocyanate monomer in the initial reaction mixture. A lower density in the aerogel gives rise to a fibrous morphology, whereas a greater density in the aerogel results in a particulate morphology. Polyurea aerogels described herein may also exhibit a reduced flammability.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Aerogel Technologies, LLC.Inventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Sudhir Mulik
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Publication number: 20120134909Abstract: Porous three-dimensional networks of polyimide and porous three-dimensional networks of carbon and methods of their manufacture are described. For example, polyimide aerogels are prepared by mixing a dianhydride and a diisocyanate in a solvent comprising a pyrrolidone and acetonitrile at room temperature to form a sol-gel material and supercritically drying the sol-gel material to form the polyimide aerogel. Porous three-dimensional polyimide networks, such as polyimide aerogels, may also exhibit a fibrous morphology. Having a porous three-dimensional polyimide network undergo an additional step of pyrolysis may result in the three dimensional network being converted to a purely carbon skeleton, yielding a porous three-dimensional carbon network. The carbon network, having been derived from a fibrous polyimide network, may also exhibit a fibrous morphology.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: Aerogel Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis, Chakkaravarthy Chidambareswarapattar
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Publication number: 20110250428Abstract: Three-dimensional nanoporous aerogels and suitable preparation methods are provided. Nanoporous aerogels may include a carbide material such as a silicon carbide, a metal carbide, or a metalloid carbide. Elemental (e.g., metallic or metalloid) aerogels may also be produced. In some embodiments, a cross-linked aerogel having a conformal coating on a sol-gel material is processed to form a carbide aerogel, metal aerogel, or metalloid aerogel. A three-dimensional nanoporous network may include a free radical initiator that reacts with a cross-linking agent to form the cross-linked aerogel. The cross-linked aerogel may be chemically aromatized and chemically carbonized to form a carbon-coated aerogel. The carbon-coated aerogel may be suitably processed to undergo a carbothermal reduction, yielding an aerogel where oxygen is chemically extracted. Residual carbon remaining on the surface of the aerogel may be removed via an appropriate cleaning treatment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: Aerogel Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Anand G. Sadekar, Naveen Candrasekaran, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis
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Publication number: 20100316550Abstract: Cross-linked sol-gel like materials and cross-linked aerogels, as well as methods for making such cross-linked sol-gel like materials and cross-linked aerogels are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: Aerogel Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Leventis, Chariklia Sotiriou-Leventis