Nanomaterials from the Bench to Industry: An Experience in an Emerging Country

Abstract

Sophisticated nanomaterials produced by soft chemical methods that present highly controlled composition, structure, size, nanoporosity and tailored surface are essential for future technologies. Although nowadays a wide range of synthetic routes permit to create a wide range of such materials, several challenges remain for their successful translation to industry. For example, adapting laboratory scale synthesis to pilot and plant scale implies practical, safety and regulatory challenges that must be taken into account before endeavoring into production. In addition, IP management and technical-economic analysis, which includes market research, strategic precursor availability and supplier selection are critical issues towards nanomaterials commercialization.This chapter discusses some critical aspects in the process of translating nanomaterials synthesis into actual products, in the context of an emergent country, Argentina. The possibilities and limitations of the path that spans from materials design, lab production, scaling-up, IP management and registration of nanostructured materials to a final tradeable product will be illustrated using case studies: functional nanoparticles, metallic colloids obtained from sustainable sources and mesoporous adsorbents. Although extra barriers emerge in a small size ecosystem, it can be concluded that a close collaboration and feedback between academic and industrial R&D teams leads to the successful development of real-world nanotechnology products.