December 2, 2008: The University of Colorado has been awarded U.S. Patent number 7,426,067 “Atomic layer deposition on micro-mechanical devices,” which has been exclusively licensed to ALD NanoSolutions, Inc.

ALD NanoSolutions is focused on commercializing its nano-coating processes, called Particle ALD and Polymer ALD, and is targeting collaborative research agreements with domain partners for the discovery and validation of innovative composite materials in selected industries.

This patent describes a method and technology for conformal coating Micro/Nano Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) for a wide variety of purposes, including hermetic sealing, reducing stiction, surface change control, creating biocompatible films, optical properties control, chemical corrosion protection layers, and electrically insulating layers. The patented technologies, methods and materials can be used to fine tune the properties and function of MEMS/NEMS, allowing new application opportunities and/or superior lifetime reliability.

ALD NanoSolutions, also announced that it has received a $100,000 Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant from the U. S. Department of Energy, titled “Novel ALD-Coated Nanoparticle Anodes for Enhanced Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries”. This award, will develop nanomaterial technology to enable advanced Li-ion batteries with improved stability and performance.

“In order to realize the promise of novel electrode nanomaterials, ALD coatings are needed to passivate these particulate electrode materials with conformal ultrathin films. Such novel nano-engineered electrodes will address not only capacity retention and power issues, but also the safety problems associated with Li-ion batteries,” said Karen Buechler, president of ALD NanoSolutions, in a statement.