What Is VSParticle’s Nanoporous Layers Development Project?
VSParticle, a Delft University of Technology start-up and part of Yes!Delft Labs, is revolutionizing the way nanoporous layers (NPLs) are developed and produced. These thin-film nanoporous layers are crucial components in sensing and electrochemical products—technologies that play a big role in building a healthier and more sustainable future. The challenge? Many companies with commercial products in these markets struggle to develop improved NPLs that can truly boost their product’s performance. Enter VSParticle’s breakthrough: a brand new synthesis technology optimized for fast development and simple manufacturing of nanoporous layers. By offering NPLs as a service, VSParticle has become the No. 1 trusted partner for reliable NPL development and production.
Main Benefits of VSParticle’s Core Technology
The core technology behind VSParticle’s nanoporous layers sets new benchmarks in the field. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Material Diversity: Compatible with over 40 materials, including alloys and mixed-metal compositions.
- Scalability: Thanks to a patented dry deposition technique, no polymer binders or chemicals are needed.
- Homogeneous Layers: Produces uniform nanostructures with controlled loading for consistent quality.
- High Porosity and Surface Area: Achieves 60-80% porous structures, outperforming typical porosity benchmarks.
- Substrate Agnostic: Can deposit on PTLs, silicon wafers, ITOs, or any client’s substrate of choice.
Why Outsource Nanoporous Layer Fabrication?
When your product depends on high-performance nanoporous layers—whether in electrolysis, sensing, catalysis, or thin-film devices—every iteration counts. VSParticle’s on-demand deposition service offers zero CAPEX validation, which means companies can fast-track their tech validations without heavy upfront investments. Outsourcing complex nanoporous layer fabrication allows for quick performance validation, material choice adjustments, and layer property improvements. The result? Faster R&D cycles, more confident material design decisions, and a shorter path to market success. It’s a game-changer for companies looking to stay agile and competitive.
Scaling Up: From Prototype to Production
Bringing a new product to market is a race—especially when working with advanced nanomaterials. VSParticle supports companies at every stage, whether refining an early prototype, optimizing the product, or preparing for large-scale production. This support helps meet technical milestones faster, respond to market demand with confidence, and stay competitive—whether defending a niche or entering a new one. The ability to scale up efficiently is critical in today’s fast-paced innovation landscape.
Global Collaborations Driving Innovation
VSParticle’s impact extends beyond its own labs through strategic global collaborations and partnerships. These include:
- Partnership with EPFL: Achieving high selectivity in CO2 reduction.
- ACCSENS Project, MCL: Optimizing sensing layers for specific gases.
- Open Catalyst Database 2024, Meta AI: Accelerating material discovery.
- Collaboration with De Nora: Achieving 0.4 mg/cm² iridium loading for PEM water electrolysers.
These collaborations highlight VSParticle’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of nanomaterial science and its real-world applications.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – through improved sensing technologies.
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – via advancements in electrolysis and catalysis.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by enabling scalable nanomaterial production.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through efficient material use and manufacturing.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – supporting CO2 reduction and sustainable technologies.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Nanoporous Layer Innovation
VSParticle’s unique, non-chemical technology enables the production of sub-20nm nanoparticles and their processing into nano-structured materials. This approach not only makes scientific research more efficient but also bridges the gap to industrial application. With a focus on speed, scalability, and material diversity, VSParticle is paving the way for next-generation products that rely on ultra-low iridium and other advanced materials. The journey from lab to market has never been smoother—or more exciting.
