QuantumSphere Newsletter, May 2005

Welcome!
 The QuantumSphere monthly e-newsletter is your insight to how and where our metallic nanopowders are being used, advanced material applications and other industry news as they relate to QuantumSphere. We hope you enjoy the May issue, and look forward to your feedback.

In this issue…

  • The Latest QuantumSphere Announcements:
       o Dermacia, Inc. Taps QuantumSphere, Inc. for Specialized Applications to Address
          $50 Billion Worldwide Acne Market
       o Industry Veteran to Validate QuantumSphere Inc.’s Nanopowders

  • QuantumSphere In the News:
       o Magnetics Magazine: QuantumSphere Unveils Pure Magnetic Nanopowder for
          Biomedical and MRI Applications, May 2005
       o Fuel Cell Works: Nanonickel to Replace Platinum as a Catalyst in Fuel Cells and
          in Other Applications, April 2005
       o NanoBiotech News: QuantumSphere Unveils Magnetic Nanopowder for
          Biomedical Applications, April 2005

  • Industry Reports:
       o Water, Water Everywhere: Nano Filtration

  • In the Classroom:
       o Water Hydrolysis/Hydrogen Fuel Production
       o And the Winner is… Three Los Angeles Area High School Students Winners
          QSI Sponsored Nanotechnology Essay Contest

  • QuantumSphere is Hiring: Two Positions Posted

    • The Latest QuantumSphere Announcements:

    Dermacia, Inc. Taps QuantumSphere, Inc. for Specialized Applications to Address $50 Billion Worldwide Acne Market
    Dermacia, Inc., a pioneering California maker of advanced therapeutic cosmetics and skincare products, has selected QuantumSphere to supply nanosilver for Dermacia’s advanced line of therapeutic cosmetics and skin care products designed for acne sufferers. As manufacturer of the world’s highest quality nanosilver, QuantumSphere will provide Dermacia with its nanopowders of unequalled purity and particle uniformity, enabling Dermacia and its medical advisory team of dermatologists and plastic surgeons to further validate the performance and value of nanosilver and other nanometals for their antibacterial, sun protectant and other key properties. Following extensive testing, Dermacia has chosen QuantumSphere nanosilver and other QuantumSphere products as key ingredients in Dermacia’s latest line of exclusive makeup and skin care products. Dermacia is currently using the nano-ingredients in select makeup and skin care products and other applications. Additional products incorporating QuantumSphere nanotechnology are in development. Using QuantumSphere technology, Dermacia has conducted extensive research to develop ingredients and processes employing QuantumSphere’s uniquely pure ingredients as a part of its Nano2infusionTM technology. Read Full Press Release.

    Industry Veteran to Validate QuantumSphere Inc.’s Nanopowders

    QuantumSphere, Inc. is moving forward with the collaboration of Robert Dopp, of Doppstein Enterprises, Inc. (DSE). Together they are testing QuantumSphere’s new line of nano-catalysts in functioning air electrodes to better identify significant parameters in the development cycle. Mr. Dopp has developed a cathode manufacturing process expressly designed to manufacture small “coupons” of highly uniform, very active and reproducible gas diffusion electrodes. These are typically used in metal air batteries, alkaline fuel cells, other air breathing systems as well as hydrogen generation cells. By producing the finished product from the new generation of catalyst, QuantumSphere can engineer their particle size distribution, composition and distribution to optimum performance. This is something that quantitative and physical measurements cannot achieve; the collaborative efforts of QuantumSphere and DSE can. Read Full Press Release.

    QuantumSphere In the News:


    Magnetics Magazine: QuantumSphere Unveils Pure Magnetic Nanopowder for Biomedical and MRI Applications, May 2005

    QuantumSphere, a company that produces, manufactures and sells magnetic nanopowder based on a material that is not harmful to the body, has unveiled the first pure magnetic nanopowder for biomedical applications. The magnetic nanopowder will be used to enhance MRI applications. MRI technology can be leveraged in conjunction with QuantumSphere’s magnetic nanoparticles to focus electromagnetic energy waves into the body to view internal organs better, to see damage or investigate the functions of internal organs. The nanopowders offer orders-of-magnitude performance improvements when compared to existing imaging materials, such as gadolinium dies and other standard materials used today. “Although the MRI field is a multi-billion market, MRIs use materials such as gadolinium dies or other processes that fail to produce the most efficient number of resolutions to scans and signal to noise ratios. Our technology will solve these issues,” said Dr. Douglas Carpenter, Chief Scientific Officer and Director of Research and Development, QuantumSphere, Inc.

    Read Full Article.


    Fuel Cell Works: Nanonickel to Replace Platinum as a Catalyst in Fuel Cells and in Other Applications, April 2005

    QuantumSphere, Inc., a manufacturer of metallic nanopowders, working toward catalyzing the future for fuel cells, batteries, and hydrogen generation, is moving forward with the collaboration of Robert Dopp, of Doppstein Enterprises, Inc. (DSE). Together they are testing QuantumSphere’s new line of nano-catalysts in functioning air electrodes to better identify significant parameters in the development cycle. Mr. Dopp has developed a cathode manufacturing process expressly designed to manufacture small “coupons” of highly uniform, very active and reproducible gas diffusion electrodes. These are typically used in metal air batteries, alkaline fuel cells, other air breathing systems as well as hydrogen generation cells. By producing the finished product from the new generation of catalyst, QuantumSphere can engineer their particle size distribution, composition and distribution to optimum performance. This is something that quantitative and physical measurements cannot achieve; the collaborative efforts of QuantumSphere and DSE can.

    Read Full Article.


    NanoBiotech News: QuantumSphere Unveils Magnetic Nanopowder for Biomedical Applications, April 2005

    Privately held QuantumSphere, Inc., has developed a magnetic nanopowder the company is seeking to use for biomedical applications, beginning with the enhancement of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. The three-year-old Costa Mesa, CA company was co founded by Kevin Maloney, CEO, a former investment and management professional, and R. Douglas Carpenter, PhD, an organic chemist and self-described rocket scientist who serves as chief scientific officer and director of research and development. QuantumSphere “flew under the radar” for the first few years while the company was raising money, filing patents, and assembling a team to produce metallic nanopowders for the aerospace, defense, energy, and other markets, Maloney says. “It sounds like we came out of nowhere, but we’ve just been developing materials that provide orders of magnitude improvements in performance, especially in energy and catalytics,” he explains. “Our approach is to deliver solutions for problems that companies have today rather than seeking pie-in-the-sky innovations.”

    Read Full Article.


    Industry Reports:


    Water, Water Everywhere: Nano Filtration
    By Charles Choi

    One of the single biggest applications of nanotechnology could be solving the global shortage of pure water, experts say. “It’s the new oil of the 21st century,” said F. Mark Modzelewski, managing director of nanotechnology analyst firm Lux Research in New York. Fresh water is one of the largest industries in the world, behind only oil and electricity. Some 70 percent of the water market goes to agriculture and 15 percent to industry, Modzelewski said.

    “The current size of the global water market is $287 billion right now, and expected to be $413 billion by 2010,” he added. “It takes an incredible 105,000 gallons of water to make a single automobile and extraordinary amounts are used for making everything from clothing to semiconductors.” More than 97 percent of the water in the world is saltwater, and of the remaining freshwater supply, only about a third is usable, with the rest locked up as ice, Modzelewski said. At the same time, the world population is expected to double in 40 years. “Over half the world population will face a very serious water shortage in the next 30 to 50 years, and we need to be prepared for that,” said Zvi Yaniv, president and chief executive officer of Applied Nanotech in Austin, Texas. “Water will be one of the biggest applications of nanotechnology in the near term.”

    The key lies in how nanotechnology — science and engineering on the scale of molecules — can make pores tiny enough to filter out the smallest of organism. “You can have new polymer materials that can self-assemble into artificial membranes and be cheaper, more effective,” Yaniv said. At the same time, nano-engineered membrane pores can be far straighter than conventional filters using natural ingredients such as zeolite, where the pores are very crooked. This means water actually can flow through faster. “In areas like the Middle East and Africa, we need to solve and cut the costs of desalinization and purification,” Yaniv explained. “Today we’re using pressurization, and pressurization costs a lot of money. So the shortcoming of conventional membranes can be flow.” The materials used in the membranes also can help filter out contaminants.

    Read Full Article.

    In the Classroom:

    Water Hydrolysis/Hydrogen Fuel Production

    During hydrolysis, water molecules are broken into their constituent parts using Nano Ni electrodes to produce Oxygen (O2) and Hydrogen (H2). The Hydrogen can be used to power Fuel Cells (See     How Hydrogen Creates Electric Power In A Fuel Cell); the oxygen can be stored or vented as desired. In the diagram found on the link at the end of this explanation, the hydrolysis process is powered by Solar Panels made using Nano Ni, but conventional sources of electricity may also be used

    Enhanced Performance Characteristics:
        • Direct, Low-Cost Replacement for Platinum Catalyst, Huge Surface Area and Greater Surface Energy Combined Equals Orders of Magnitude Increase in Reactive Performance, Green Method of Generating Hydrogen Fuels

    Uses:
        • Generates Pure Hydrogen
        • Cheaply

    QSI-nano™ materials used:
        • Nickel
        • Proprietary Alloys

    Nanonickel can be made into electrodes (as a platinum replacement) for the hydrolysis of water into its component elements (hydrogen and oxygen).
        • The only by product that is generated from this process using the nanonickel electrodes is heat
        • No greenhouse gases are generated, unlike steam reformation of hydrocarbons which produce 4 lbs. of carbon dioxide for every 1 lb. of hydrogen produced (and this is for methane, the most efficient hydrocarbon for hydrogen generation by steam reforming)

    Water hydrolysis can be used to generate hydrogen from sea water which can then be stored (liquefied or as a compressed gas) and used to power fuel cells which generate electricity and fresh water as a by product.

    To see the actual animation, please click here.

    And the Winner is…:

    Three Los Angeles Area High School Students Winners QSI Sponsored Nanotechnology Essay Contest

    In March the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Council of Engineers and Scientists (LACES) chose the winners of an essay-writing contest for high school seniors in the Los Angeles area, as part of National Engineer Week which was February 20-26, 2005. Participants in the contest were asked to write about one or more applications of nanotechnology. The contest enabled the students to learn about the growing field of nanotechnology, and the major impact it will have on all of their futures. It also allowed them to flex their creative muscles while participating in some healthy competition. The three winners chosen will received cash awards to use towards their college educations. In addition to QuantumSphere, sponsors of the contest included Arrowhead Research Corporation, Micro and Nanotechnology Commercialization Education Foundation American Society for Quality Los Angeles Section Southern, and California IEEE Los Angeles Section Nanotechnology Network.

    The winners of the contest are:

    Obi Madekwe, Southwest Middle College High School – “The Importance of Nanotechnology”
    Click here for essay
    Alex Ho, Don Bosco Technical Institute – “Nanotechnology – Small Things can Make a Big Difference”
    Click here for essay
    Damian Johnson, Narbonne High School – “Nanotechnology”
    Click here for essay


    QuantumSphere is Hiring:

    Two Positions Posted

    Sr. Chemistry Specialist, 2005-04
    Chemistry Specialist, 2005-04

    Position Type: Full Time; Relocation Provided: No

    Candidate Profile/Criteria:
  • Professional and academic background broad enough to include surface chemistry, chemical engineering and inorganic chemistry
  • Can work in demanding start-up environment and has fabrication, proto-type design and applications development background
  • Prior success in scaling up to commercial production
  • Applications background in corrosion, solar & fuel cells, gas separation and/or surface chemistry
  • Commitment – requires 60 to 80 hours per week
  • Strong technical driver – communicate insights and hands-on results to team and help drive execution of goals
  • Able to rapidly digest results and feedback into process
  • Proven ability to work with small teams in multi-tasking environment
  • Prefer good communication skills with upper management, peers, team
  • Prefer experience with small company or small team in larger company
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or associated disciplines
  • Motivated to build successful company
  • Salary commensurate with experience
  • Candidates must be U.S. citizen
    • Company stock options and standard benefits package available

    For application consideration please send cover letter and resume to:
    Kevin D. Maloney, CEO
    QuantumSphere, Inc.
    1041 W. 18th Street, Suite B-102
    Costa Mesa, CA 92627


    Reader Feedback:.
    We value your comments. Please send us your ideas and suggested topics to:     [email protected].


    QuantumSphere is the leading manufacturer of metallic nanopowders for applications in the aerospace, defense, energy, biomedical and other markets demanding advanced material applications. QuantumSphere’s exclusive manufacturing process provides: consistent, narrow particle size distribution; low level of agglomeration and impurities; custom-tailored oxide shell thickness; and the highest purity metallic nanopowders on the market that are easier to transport and handle. The company manufactures the highest quality of metallic nanopowder in the industry without compromising its commitment to the environment. No other company offers these performance advantages. QuantumSphere is the only supplier of the world’s highest quality nanonickel (n-Ni). This will replace platinum as the main catalyst in hydrogen fuel cells and provide a renewable source of power to supply the world’s energy needs. The company is leveraging its leading market position in nanonickel (n-Ni) to manufacture and ship product for applications in fuel cells, magnetic medical products (e.g., contrast agent that is orders-of-magnitude more sensitive than existing materials for MRI detection of disease and organ function), and other applications including additives for plastics and electromagnetic frequency shielding applications.

    QuantumSphere
    1041 West 18th Street, Suite B102
    Costa Mesa, CA 92627
    Phone: 949-574-3000
    Fax: 949-574-3010
    www.qsinano.com