KAUST Seed Fund advances newly discovered silica materials research
The discovery of High-Surface-Area Silica Nanospheres (KCC-1) with Fibrous Morphology was a significant breakthrough for Dr. Vivek Polshettiwar, a Senior Research Scientist for the KAUST Catalysis Center. He can now take his research further after winning seed funding worth $204,700.
"New research possibilities will open up now that we have the funding to comprehensively examine and test more applications of KCC-1 than we were able to previously," said Dr Polshettiwar.
The KCC-1 nanospheres, with their unique type of fibrous morophology and high surface area, have never been seen before in the history of silica materials.
Essential to the fabrics of many scientific materials, nanospheres are widely used in the grouping of valuable materials. Silica is one of the well-established examples. Industry catalysis makes regular use of porous silica and demand for silica nanospheres with different morphologies is in high.
The high surface area of KCC-1 is due to the presence of dendrimeric silica fibers and their respective channels. These fibers enhance the accessibility of available surface area, rendering them for attractive for use as supports and other functionalities such as microelectronics and targeting of drugs.
Working with Dr. Jean Marie Basset, Director of the KAUST Catalysis Center, Dr. Polshettiwar discovered KCC-1 during the university's inaugural year.
"KCC-1 can be very useful in drug delivery, hydrogen storage, as a chromatography support and in nano-composite materials," explained Dr. Polshettiwar. Several major companies have expressed interest in KCC-1 and are eager to examine the materials and license the patent rights from KAUST. Dr. Polshettiwar has worked for the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Chimie Physique Electronique, Lyon, and also on several catalysis projects in India.
"Being at KAUST has stimulated me to take my science in a lot of new directions," said Dr. Polshettiwar. "The readily available first-rate facilities and trouble-free funding, along with working along side world renowned Professor Basset, have all made for an excellent experience."
Help for Enterprising Innovators
The Seed Fund Program offers finance and support to students, faculty and staff at KAUST who wish to develop their ideas and discoveries into commercial ventures.
So far the Seed Fund has awarded winners $1,590,283. The first eight recipients were awarded a total of $988,000. The second five recipients have so far been awarded $602,283. All winners receive additional funds from the university to cover administration costs.
Applications for Round Three of the Seed Fund are closed, but applications for Round Four are being accepted.
To find out more about the Seed Fund Program or the application process, please visit the KAUST Portal or email seedfund@kaust.edu.sa.