TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: Scalable Porous Silica Materials for Separation, Filtration, and Catalysis

A patented manufacturing process for producing porous silica materials with interconnected pore networks. Manufacturers use porous silica materials in products ranging from chromatography columns and filters to catalyst supports and insulation. However, producing these materials with consistent internal structures can be expensive and difficult to scale. Los Alamos researchers developed a patented process that converts silicone foam into porous silica while preserving its internal pore network. The approach uses common materials and conventional molding techniques, offering a scalable and potentially lower-cost route to high-performance porous silica materials. Many applications rely on porous materials that contain large internal surface areas and pathways for liquids and gases to flow. S