Developments of Low-Cost Nanoscale Powders for Destructive Absorption Technology

Destructive adsorption technology (DAT) is a promising, environmentally-benign method for destroying hazardous and toxic waste materials. DAT, making use of high surface area nanoscale CaO and MgO as both reactants and catalysts, breaks down chlorinated organics, organophosphorus compounds, and other hazardous materials into simpler, less hazardous species. Application of DAT is limited,however by the high cost of producing nanoscale CaO and MgO powders. PSI Technologies (PSIT) proposes a Phase I program to develop a novel technique for synthesizing high purity, low cost crystalline nanoscale MgO and CaO powders. The technology utilizes a reactive aerosol in conjunction with combustion synthesis to produce a very high surface area nanoscale particulate in a continuous flow process. This process is conceptually simple, and is expected to be easily scalable to large volumes. Preliminary estimates suggest that a full-scale system capable of producing powders at costs of less than $10 to 30 per pound can be developed. These costs are significantly less than those of competing processes. Success in this program should facilitate development of DAT as a waste destruction technology.