Products and Services

Synkera's products are based on nano- and microstructured materials and advanced methods for their integration into functional devices. We offer three main product groups:

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Chemical Sensing and Analysis

The first is a broad group of chemical sensors and related devices. Synkera's sensor technology is bridging the gap between the low cost of traditional solid-state sensors and the performance of liquid electrolyte electrochemical sensors.

　

　

　

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Ceramic Membranes and Filters

The second product group is comprised of membranes for filtration and separation in gases and liquids and related applications. Our membranes are based on self-organized nanoporous ceramic that supports highly controllable nanoscale morphology and composition, enabling high performance, reliable and cost-effective solutions in a diverse range of applications.

　

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NanoCeramics

The third product group includes a broad range of NanoCeramic-based offerings with performance and benefits engineered at the nano/microscale. These include nanotemplates, substrates for bioanalysis, ceramic microcomponents, functional coatings and nanocomposites.

Electronic Modules

Synkera now provides two types of modules for testing and evaluation of our various sensor product lines:

Our latest MikroKera™ Ultra Module (P/N 9100) features all-digital input and output, and even wireless connection by Bluetooth.  This module can be used for quick and easy setup and evaluation of our UltraKera™ sensor product line (module purchase includes 1 sensor).

Our original set of electronic modules, encompassing P/N 901 to 917, feature analog input and output, and can be used to operate both our ProKera™ and MikroKera™ sensors.  These modules require a 9-12 VDC input and provide a 0-5 VDC output.  These modules allow for adjusting the input voltage to the heater, zeroing the sensor, and setting gain. To place an order for analog modules, visit our online store.

UniKera Ceramic Membranes

Synkera offers three different types of membranes: UniKera™ Standard, UniKera™ UF and nanocomposite. Unique features and performance of these products are derived from the controllable nanoscale morphology and composition of the active layer(s), as well as chemical and mechanical properties of anodic aluminum oxide. These membranes are produced using our unique capabilities in extremely high precision nanoscale engineering of materials architecture and composition, following strict quality-control procedures.

Synkera offers a range of standard products, as well as many custom options for each membrane type. Please follow the links below for further details or go directly to the quote/info forms to request a quote or to place an order.

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UniKera™ Standard Membranes

Our symmetric membranes feature uniform and aligned cylindrical nanopores, ensuring consistent pore diameter and pore density throughout the thickness of the membrane. 

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UniKera™ UF Membranes

Our monolithic asymmetric membranes feature a support layer with large pores and a very thin (sub-0.5 µm) active layer with pores tunable in the 5-200 nm range. This allows for precise size-based separation, while maintaining high permeance and low fouling. These features enable significant performance benefits in liquid separation, such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration.   

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Nanocomposite Membranes

Our nanocomposite membranes feature very thin nanocomposite active layers intimately embedded within the pores of anodic alumina to enable high permeance and selectivity to target molecules and outstanding reliability in operating conditions.

UniKera Standard Membranes

Pricing

Synkera offers symmetric monodisperse nanoporous ceramic membranes that are produced from nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). This type of membrane features a symmetrical nanoporous architecture with uniform cylindrical pores penetrating the entire thickness of the membrane, and are characterized by a high degree of pore ordering and narrow pore size distribution (standard deviation is typically better than 8%, and in some cases is as low as 5%). 

Synkera's symmetric membranes have superior mechanical and thermal stability far exceeding that of anodic alumina membranes from other suppliers. As-prepared AAO membranes are amorphous, but could be converted to nanocrystalline gamma and alpha-alumina phases which further enhances the membrane's chemical and thermal stability. Synkera offers several membrane heat-treatment options for operating temperatures up to 1000°C.

The range of currently available membrane specifications is summarized in the table below. We maintain an inventory of membranes with standard specifications. Most of our ceramic membranes could be ordered with a pore diameter in the range from 10 to 150 nm, and the thickness from 15 to 100 microns. For more details on this product, please see the AAO Technology Profile.

To order membranes, inquire on the product availability for non-standard specifications, and/or get feedback on your desired applications, please fill out our Info/Quote Request Form.

Parameter	Standard						Custom
Pore Diameter, nm (SD 7-10%)	18	35	55	80	100	150	10-200
Pore Density,§ cm-2	6·1010	1·1010	6·109	2·109 §	2·109,§ 9·108	2·109,§ 9·108	2·1011 - 9·108
Pore Period,§ nm	44	94	143	243 §	243,§ 367	243,§ 367	20 - 367
Estimated Porosity,§ %	15	13	13	10 §	15,§ 7	35,§ 15	10% to 50%
Thickness, µm (± 2%)	50 and 100*						15-150 ± 2%
Format / Size	round shape: 13, 25, 47 mm square shape: 10x10  mm						custom shapes, up to 120 mm in size
Operating Temperature	No heat treatment:  ·  up to 500°C (depending on the environment) Heat treatment options: ·  OPTION 1:  ≤ 700°C (amorphous) ·  OPTION 2:  ≤ 900°C (γ-alumina) ·  OPTION 3:  ≤ 1000°C (γ/ α - alumina) *						up to 1000°C (γ/ α - alumina) *
Availability	4-6 weeks if not in-stock						Varies

§   Standard pore density, period and porosity values for 80, 100 and 150 nm pore sizes.
*   Heat treatment option 3 is not available for 13 and 18 nm pores
　

Based on our expertise in materials science, nano- and microfabrication, and using this featured AAO membrane as a platform, Synkera is developing a portfolio of symmetric membrane products for the following applications:

• gas separation membranes (composite and diffusion-based)

• membrane-reactors

• membrane standards

UniKera UF Membranes

　

Pricing

Synkera offers asymmetric ceramic membranes for liquid (such as nano- and ultrafiltration) and gas filtration, as well as for other applications. As many of our products, these membranes are made from monolithic nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) and are characterized by very uniform pores in the active layer. The membranes also feature a novel architecture with a very thin and uniform active layer. Such attributes address the need for membranes with improved selectivity, higher permeance, reduced fouling and better durability.

　

Membrane Features & Benefits

• Narrow pore size distribution (standard deviation is typically better than 10%) and sharp molecular weight cutoff (MWCO)
• Pore diameter and MWCO values are highly reproducible
• High pore density in a very thin active layer and large pores and high porosity in the support layer enable water permeance in the range of 5•10^-8 cm/s/Pa
• Smooth surface and uniform pores reduce fouling
• Made of non-toxic and biocompatible alumina with no extractables and no product contamination
• Good mechanical durability and resistance to abrasion
• Immune to organic solvents and radiation
• Reliable compression sealing using an optional aluminum rim
• Planar membranes available in a variety of standard and custom sizes and shapes. Scalable up to 1 sq. ft.

As-prepared membranes contain amorphous boehmite phase, which is suitable for short (<3 hrs) exposure to aqueous solutions. Polycrystalline membranes, composed from gamma and alpha-alumina phases with significantly enhanced chemical and thermal stability, are also available. For additional information, please see Technology Profile for this product.

Ordering

The range of currently offered membrane specifications is summarized in the table below. We maintain an inventory of membranes with standard specifications. To order membranes, inquire on the product availability for non-standard specifications, and/or get feedback on your desired applications, please fill out our Info/Quote Request Form.

Parameter		Standard						Custom
Base Layer	Pore diameter, nm (SD 7-10%)	150 - 200						same as standard
	Pore density, cm2	1x109
	Porosity, %	30 - 40
Active Layer	Pore diameter, nm (SD 7-10%)	2 - 4	4 - 6	8	13	18	150	2-20
	Pore density, cm2	7x1012	2x1012	3x1011	1x1011	5x1010	1x109	2x1011 to 7x1012
	Porosity, %	10 to 20, depending on port diameter						up to 50
Overall Structure	Thickness, µm (±2%)	50
	Format / Size	round shape: 13, 25 mm						custom shapes, up to 120mm in size
Operating Environment		AS IS: aqueous: short exposure (≤3hr.), pH 6 to 8 non-aqueous: indefinite for non-corrosive gases: up to 500°C for non-corrosive 　 HEAT TREATED: ≤700°C (amorphous), Option 1 ≤900°C (γ-alumina), Option 2 ≤1000°C (γ/α alumina), Option 3						contact us if you have any questions on your application
Availability		2 -3 weeks if not in stock

Nanocomposite Membranes

　

Energy-efficient hydrogen generation and purification is needed for many clean energy applications and industrial processes. Synkera is developing novel metal/ceramic hydrogen separation membranes that target breakthrough performance and reliability in a broad range of operating conditions and offer significant cost savings at the system level. These benefits, enabled by patent-pending nanoengineered membrane composition and architecture, provide significant competitive advantages for many point-of-use hydrogen separation and purification applications. Synkera is commercializing its hydrogen-related products, including hydrogen separation membranes and hydrogen sensors, via its subsidiary HyGenera LLC.

The key membrane features and related user benefits are

• Nanocomposite metal/ceramic active layer with permeance exceeding that of 10 µm thick Pd alloy foil membranes.

• Low defect density, high permselectivity.

• Mechanical reliability, resistance to abrasion.

• Excellent resistance to temperature and pressure cycling, immune to embrittlement.

• Planar membranes of flexible size and format.

• Al rim to support reliable and low-cost compression sealing.

• Significant reduction in the cost of membrane modules and separation systems in comparison with Pd foils or supported films.

Download Technology Profile for more information on hydrogen separation membranes.

Status

To date, hydrogen permeance of up to 1.5 mmol/m²/s/Pa^0.5 at 400 °C and selectivity up to 3000 were demonstrated in laboratory prototypes. Membranes sustain repeated temperature (75 to 450°C) and pressure (0 to 100 psig) cycling in 100% hydrogen without loss of performance. With support from NSF SBIR program, Synkera is scaling Gen-1 membranes (~1 mmol/m²/s/Pa^0.5) to produce prototypes sized at 30 cm² and 725 cm². Concurrently, we are validating membrane performance and reliability in select process streams (reformate and WGS).

Partnership Development

Customers and partners are being sought for evaluating these membranes in new membrane systems and applications. Areas of interest include fuel cells, point-of-use and distributed purification, as well as industrial processes. To request additional information and to discuss this further, please e-mail us at 

UniKera Membranes

Our UniKera™ line of ceramic disc membranes are used for:

• Filtration and separation (e.g. sample prep)

• Templated nanofabrication (e.g. nanowires)

• Cell culturing and imaging

Our membranes feature configurable specifications in a wide range of options:

Descriptions and specifications of our two membrane types are provided below. In addition, follow these links for further info:

• Pricing

• Info/quote request This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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UniKera™ Standard Membranes

Synkera offers ceramic membranes that feature uniform cylindrical pores penetrating the entire thickness of the membrane, and are characterized by a high degree of pore ordering and narrow pore size distribution. UniKera™ membranes have superior mechanical and thermal stability far exceeding that of anodic alumina membranes from other suppliers. UniKera™ membranes can be converted into nanocrystalline gamma and alpha-alumina phases, to further enhane chemical and thermal stability. Synkera offers several membrane heat-treatment options for operating temperatures up to 1000°C.

UniKera™ UF Membranes

These membranes feature a novel architecture with a very thin and uniform active layer, and are characterized by very uniform pores in the active layer. UniKera™ UF membranes address the need for membranes with improved selectivity, higher permeance, reduced fouling and better durability.

NanoCeramics

Synkera offers several product lines based on our nano/microfabrication technologies.  Unique features and performance of these products are derived from precisely controlled nanoscale morphology, composition chemical and mechanical properties of anodic aluminum oxide, our unique processes for ceramic micromachining and ability to conformally coat very high aspect ratio nanopores with different materials.

Synkera offers a selection of standard products, and also welcomes inquiries for custom manufacturing. Please follow the links below for further details.

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Templates for Nanofabrication

Synkera offers a broad range of anodic alumina-based nanotemplates of three distinct formats: AAO on Al foil, AAO integrated on Si, glass or other substrates, and free-standing AAO.  These products feature excellent pore diameter uniformity and have been used by a number of research groups worldwide for deposition of uniform and ordered arrays of nanostructures (nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods, nanotubes, etc) as well as for synthesis of advanced nanocomposites.

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 Ceramic Microcomponents

Synkera offers custom ceramic microcomponents from nanoporous alumina that can accommodate diverse application ranging from high temperature gas sensing to in-vivo bioanalysis. Our process combines features of both surface- and bulk– like micromachining and can support a broad range of designs, including high-resolution, high aspect ratio structures and elements of 3-D designs. 

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Substrates for Life Science

We offer nanoporous ceramic substrates for various life science applications. The substrates feature excellent biocompatibility, 3-D nanoporous architecture and are available in several formats to support a variety of analysis modes.

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Functional Coatings

Conformal nano-scale coatings on high aspect ratio surfaces are available for all of our AAO-based membrane and nanotemplate products as well as on customer-provided samples.

UniKera NanoTemplates

Synkera offers a broad range of anodic alumina-based nanotemplates of three distinctly different architectures:

• AAO Nanotemplates attached to Al foil (see specifications below).

• Free-standing AAO nanotemplates (specifications same as UniKera™ standard membranes).

• Nanotemplates on non-Al substrates, such as Si or glass ( email us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for availability).

Most of our AAO nanotemplates and nanoporous membranes could be ordered with pore diameter in 10-100 nm range. They are characterized high degree or pore ordering, narrow pore size distribution (standard deviation is typically better then 10%, and in some cases as low as 5%), as well as uniform pore diameter across the entire AAO thickness. For free-standing nanotemplates, standard heat-treatment options include annealing of the originally amorphous AAO to nanocrystalline gamma or alpha-alumina phase, which further enhances nanotemplate's chemical and thermal stability.

The range of currently available specifications for nanotemplates on Al and other substrates is summarized in the table; specifications for free-standing AAO nanotemplates are listed under UniKera™ standard membranes.

To order nanotemplates, inquire on the availability of custom products with non-standard specifications, and to discuss your specific applications, please fill out our Info/Quote Request Form.

Parameter	AAO on Al *									AAO on non-Al substrates** (custom only)
	Standard								Custom
Pore diameter, nm (SD 7-10%)	13	18	35	55	73	80	100	150	10 - 200	10 - 35
Pore Density,§ cm-2	1·1011	6·1010	1·1010	6·109	3·109	3·109, 2·109 §	3·109, 2·109,§ 9·108	2·109,§ 9·108	2·1011 - 9·108	1·1011 - 1·1010
Pore Period,§ nm	32	44	94	143	193	193, 243 §	193, 243,§ 367	243,§ 367	20 - 367	20 - 107
Estimated Porosity,§ %	15	15	13	13	13	16, 10 §	24, 15,§ 7	35,§ 15	10 - 30 %	10 - 30 %
AAO Thickness, µm (± 2%)	0.5, 5 and 50							5 and 50	0.1 - 150	0.1 - 5, per Al film thickness
Format / Size *	square shape; 10x10 mm and 65x65 mm; AAO on one or both sides of Al substrate *								from 65x65 mm to 150 mm *‡	per customer substrate size and format (up to 150 mm)
Operating Temperature	No heat treatment: up to 500°C (depending on the environment) Heat treatment option 1: 500°C									N / A
Availability	3-4 weeks if not in-stock								4-6 weeks	4-6 weeks

* AAO on one side of the Al substrates is only available for thicknesses 0.5 and 5 µm.
** Requires Al films on Si, glass or other substrates to be provided by the customer; e-mail for requirements.
^§   Standard pore density, period and porosity values for 80, 100 and 150 nm pore sizes
‡ Custom AAO on Al nanotemplates can be cut into smaller size pieces per customer requirements

　

Some of the applications for the featured nanotemplates and nanomembranes include:

• Host for templated synthesis of the arrays of uniform nanostructures (nanowires, nanotubes, quantum rods, and other nanostructures).

• Gas separation membranes.

• Liquid ultra- and nanofiltration membranes .

• Catalytic membrane reactors.

• Membrane standards.

• Nanoporous substrates for bioanalytical applications, such as tissue culturing and bioanalysis.

• Precursor for ceramic microsystems, etc.

Ceramic Microcomponents

Demand for robust and resilient microcomponents increases with the continuous trend towards miniaturization. Many existing and new applications require microcomponents from refractory materials to obtain requires mechanical properties and ensure stability in harsh environments. Although silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and sapphire have been identified as candidates for this type of MEMS, combination of high cost, poor manufacturability, and very limited designs stimulates the development of new technologies.

Synkera Technologies addresses these needs using its ceramic micromachining technology to produce microcomponents from nanoporous alumina with the following features:

• Chemically & thermally robust ceramic microstructures

• Multilevel, surface- and bulk-like micromachining

• High aspect ratio (1:100); high resolution (2-3 µm)

This technology enables very flexible designs and provides numerous opportunities for development of novel ceramic microcomponents and microdevices:

Substrates for Bioanalysis & Bioarrays

Bioarrays enable high-throughput molecular analyses and have aided tremendous advances in life science research. Further increasing bioarray sensitivity and reproducibility will enable broader acceptance and standardization for more demanding settings, such as clinical diagnostics. Furthermore, increasing the range of options in bioarray substrates and surface chemistries - key elements in performance - will enable greater design flexibility and novel applications, especially with respect to protein and glycan-based arrays.

Synkera is developing novel bioarray and bioanalysis substrates that can significantly enhance bioarray performance through a unique 3-D nanoporous architecture that features high specific surface area and flexible surface chemistry. These substrates can serve as drop-in replacement for current glass-based arrays as well as support novel bioarrays and assays.

Substrate features and benefits

• High probe capacity due to high surface area, 3-D architecture of nanoporous ceramic substrate.

• Ability to vary the capacity via control of the pore depth.

• Ability to block large molecules interference based on size exclusion.

• High-resolution spotting due to wicking into vertically aligned pores, eliminating lateral spreading.

• Tailorable surface chemistry for various attachment options and minimized non-specific background binding.

• Optional flow-through architecture for increased sampling rate and fast analysis of low concentration targets.

• Micromachinable for integration with advanced microfluidics (lab-on-a-chip).

Status

Leveraging its extensive capabilities in developing numerous products based on this material platform, Synkera completed initial development of Gen-1 bioarray substrates. Prototypes are being evaluated for fluorescence-based assays and other bioanalysis applications. You can see our current offerings and get further info by filling out an Info/Quote Request form.

Partnership Development