US Patent 7178747 -Nanoparticle aspect ratio modification

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7178747.pdf

While the mechanical, electrical, and optical benefits of various nanoparticles are favorable, there are still several issues restricting broad usage of nanoparticles such as nanoparticle clumping, undesired gas absorption, and variability on nanoparticle types produced. These problems necessitate post-processing of the nanoparticles and this patent from Nanoproducts Corporation teaches such post-process refining methods. Claim 1 reads:

1. A method for modifying the shape of nanomaterials comprising: providing nanomaterials of a first aspect ratio; mixing the nanomaterials with a catalyst; processing the mixture at a temperature greater than 300 K; and collecting nanomaterials with an aspect ratio different than the first aspect ratio.