US Govt Funds Research on Energy & Water Systems with $2

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US Government Awards $2.5 Million to Altair for Research on Energy and Water Systems Using Nanotechnololgies

Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALTI) has been designated to receive an additional $2.5 million in Federal grant funding during 2006-2007 for the continued development of nanotechnology, nanosensors, and nanomaterials research, development and deployment. The $2.5 million funding was included in the Congressional Energy and Water Development Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2006, which was passed by the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives on November 8, 2005. We anticipate the appropriation will be signed by the President within the next week.

The grant will be utilized for funding of the following projects:

1. The continued development of nanosensors for detecting chemical, biological and radiological agents in the environment.

This project continues as a joint research and development collaboration involving Altair Nanotechnologies and Western Michigan University.

2. Development and testing of nano-structured electrode materials for high-power, quick-charge, quick-discharge, high cycle life lithium ion batteries.

This project includes the continued joint development of nano-structured lithium titanate materials for anodes and nano-structured lithium manganate cathodes for high-performance batteries with Rutgers University. Altair has concurrently developed a manufacturing process to produce the materials in bulk for manufacture of Li4Ti5O12 batteries.

3. Development and characterization of nanomaterials for bactericidal biofilms in non-aqueous environments.

This funding will support research for the characterization of bactericidal nanoparticles with the ultimate goal of producing environmentally safe, biocompatible, antimicrobial nanomaterials for bacteria-resistant surface coatings for sensitive devices and buildings. The project is a collaboration involving the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, The University of Nevada, Reno, and The University of California, Santa Barbara.

"We are appreciative of the hard work and continued support of numerous individuals including Nevada Senator Harry Reid, the Democratic Leader in the Senate," commented Altair CEO and President Alan J. Gotcher, Ph.D. "We believe these programs will have a positive impact on Altair's alternative energy initiative, the company's continued development of homeland security and national defense products, and a new development program to produce environmentally safe bacteria-resistant nanomaterials for providing self-cleaning surfaces."

Source: Altair Nanotechnologies.

URL: http://www.altairnano.com/

This story was posted on 10 November 2005.