RENO, NV -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 11/09/05 -- 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 Li(4)Ti(5)O(12) 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."

ABOUT ALTAIR NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC.

Altairnano is a leading supplier and innovator of advanced ceramic nanomaterial technology. Based in Reno, Nevada, Altairnano has assembled a unique team of materials scientists who, coupled in collaborative ventures with industry partners and leading academic centers, have pioneered an array of intellectual property and products.

Altairnano's robust proprietary technology platforms produce a variety of crystalline and non-crystalline nanomaterials of unique structure, performance, quality and cost. The company has scalable manufacturing capability to meet emerging nanomaterials demands. Altairnano's two divisions, Life Sciences and Performance Materials, are focused on applications where its nanotechnology may enable new high growth markets. The Life Sciences Division is pursuing market applications in pharmaceuticals, drug delivery, dental materials and other medical markets. The Performance Materials Division is focused on market applications in advanced materials for paints and coatings; air and water treatment and alternative energy including new lithium ion battery electrode materials. For additional information on Altairnano and its nanomaterials, visit www.altairnano.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements as well as historical information. Forward-looking statements, which are included in accordance with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, may involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the company's actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested by the forward-looking statements in this release. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the risks that Altairnano's numerous research and development projects, including its work on alternative energy, homeland security and national defense products and a development program for providing safe bacteria-resistant nanomaterials for providing self-cleaning surfaces, will fail to lead to commercial products, that, even if commercial products are developed, no market will exist for such products, or that, despite a viable commercial product, Altairnano itself will not receive significant revenue directly or indirectly from that product. In general, Altairnano is, and expects to be in the immediate future, dependent upon funds generated from sales of securities, grants, testing agreements, and licensing agreements to fund its testing, development and ongoing operations. In addition, other risks are identified in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release. The company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements found herein to reflect any changes in company expectations or results or any change in events.

For Additional Information:
Investor and Financial Relations:
Marty Tullio or Mark D. Tullio
McCloud Communications, LLC
949.553.9748
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Company Contact:
Robert Pedraza
VP Strategy & Business Development
Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc.
775.856.2500
Email Contact