Apparatus and method for thermal conversion and nanostructuring of first material to second material

Abstract

There is described an apparatus (1) for thermally converting a carbon-based first material to a second material, the second material having different characteristics than the first material, the apparatus (1) comprising: a frame (10) comprising a retaining surface (101) configured to support the first material and a support structure (102); an operating unit (11) associated with the support structure (102) and comprising an emitter (111) configured for emitting electromagnetic waves along an operating direction (DL) with an operating direction (VL) oriented by the operating unit (11) towards the holding surface (101), and an optical system (112) configured for focusing the electromagnetic waves towards the first material, an incident surface for generating electromagnetic waves on the holding surface (101). The holding surface (101) and the operation unit (11) are moved relative to each other in order to vary the incident position (PI) of the electromagnetic waves on the holding surface (101). The device comprises a control unit (12) configured for sending a control signal (S1) to the operating unit (11) or the holding surface (101) for controlling a reciprocating movement between the operating unit (11) and the holding surface (101). The incident position (PI) on the holding surface (101) is aligned with the emitter (111) of the operating unit (11) along the operating direction (DL).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for the thermal conversion of a first material into a second material. In the field of thermal conversion, various experiments have been carried out with the aim of understanding the best way to thermally convert a material. In particular, the preparation of a second material starting from a first material makes possible important applications for industrial products. BACKGROUND

[0002] The prior art academic research relates to the possibility of manufacturing interdigital micro-supercapacitors and sensors based on the thermal conversion into graphene using various technologies by means of laser technology. According to a first technology, graphene is obtained by laser conversion of thin layers of graphite oxide deposited on a plastic support. Graphite oxide is a precursor material commonly used for the chemical synthesis of graphene, since it is a metastable and water-soluble system that, if rapidly heated, releases its functional groups in gaseous form and peels off the functional groups in the form of single atomic layers of carbon.

[0003] According to an alternative technology, it is also known the possibility of writing graphene by means of the conversion of graphite oxide using the power of a laser of a burner of a common computer. This technology is known as “laser scribing graphene” (LSG). Finally, the LIG technology (laser-induced graphene) is also known, in which a CO2 laser is used and in which it is not necessary to deposit a precursor (for example, graphite oxide) on a support. The latter technology, although more efficient than the others, shares some common drawbacks with the others, which are, among others, the lack of consistency of the laser, the lack of versatility, the lack of repeatability and the lack of integrity in the industrial processes of the industrial production of the industrial products for which these thermal conversion technologies are intended. SUMMARY

[0004] The aim of the present invention is to provide a device and a method that overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0005] Said aim is fully achieved by the device and the method according to the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a device for the thermal conversion and / or nanostructuring of a carbon-based first material to generate a second material having different characteristics from the first material.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the first material is one of the following materials:

[0008] - graphite oxide;

[0009] - polyimide;

[0010] - biochar.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the second material is one of the following materials:

[0012] - Graphene;

[0013] - Carbon nanostructures.

[0014] The device includes a frame. The frame includes a retaining surface configured to support a first material (i.e., a support member on which the first material is positioned). The frame includes a support structure. The support structure holds the device on the ground or on any support surface on which the device is located.

[0015] The device includes an operating unit associated with a support structure. The operating unit includes a transmitter designed to emit electromagnetic waves along the operating direction from the operating unit toward the operating point that maintains the surface orientation.

[0016] The operating unit includes an optical system. The optical system is configured to focus electromagnetic waves toward a first material for generating an incident surface of the electromagnetic waves on a holding surface.

[0017] The incident electromagnetic waves on the first material allow the first material to be thermally converted into the second material. Furthermore, the electromagnetic waves have the effect of reordering the material, allowing for reconstruction at the nanoscale, which enables the generation of the second material.

[0018] The relative movement of the holding surface and the operating unit is used to change the incident position of electromagnetic waves on the holding surface. This means that the present invention aims to protect solutions where the operating unit moves relative to the holding surface and relative to the support structure, as well as solutions where the holding surface moves relative to the holding surface and relative to the support structure.

[0019] The device includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to send control signals to the operating unit or to the holding surface to control the reciprocating movement between the operating unit and the holding surface.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the distance the electromagnetic wave travels from the transmitter to the holding surface is constant during the thermal conversion operation (nanostructuring). According to one embodiment, the incident position on the holding surface is aligned with the transmitter of the operating unit along the operating direction.

[0021] These features allow for a constant optical path during operation and significantly improve the quality of thermal conversion (i.e., nanostructuring) of the first material.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the support structure includes a fixed element integral with the frame. The support structure also includes a movable element connected to the operating unit. The movable element is movable relative to the fixed element for moving the operating unit relative to a holding surface integral with the frame.

[0023] Alternatively (or additionally), the retaining surface includes a fixed portion integral with the frame and a movable portion that is movable relative to the frame and relative to the operating unit to change the incident position of electromagnetic waves on the retaining surface.

[0024] Preferably, the transmitter is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves with a power of less than 80 W, preferably less than 50 W, and more preferably between 30 W and 50 W.

[0025] The control unit is programmed to change the power of the electromagnetic wave within a range of 0.5 W to 20 W, preferably between 1 W and 15 W, or between 2 W and 10 W, more preferably between 3 W and 5 W.

[0026] According to the implementation scheme, the optical system is configured to generate an incident surface for electromagnetic waves with point-like, linear, regional, and / or circular shapes. This allows the laser emission to be adapted to the widest range of industrial needs, thereby reducing processing time based on specific applications.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the operating unit is configured to defocus the electromagnetic waves. This allows for an increase in the incident surface of the laser beam to process a larger area.

[0028] According to one implementation, the control unit is programmed to control the power of the electromagnetic waves in conjunction with the defocusing of the electromagnetic waves, in order to define an optimal regional power for each operation to obtain the requested thermal conversion.

[0029] According to one implementation, the transmitter includes one or more of the following features (i.e., one or more of the following types of sources):

[0030] -Sealed source;

[0031] -CO2 source;

[0032] - The fiber optic source emits electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 900μm and 1300μm;

[0033] - Diode source;

[0034] -UV source;

[0035] - Magnetic field source (variable or constant);

[0036] - A cable source for microwaves, with a frequency between 2 GHz and 3 GHz, preferably 2.5 GHz.

[0037] According to the preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic wave is a laser.

[0038] Advantageously, the device includes a processing chamber.

[0039] The processing chamber includes a base. The base preferably defines a retaining surface. The processing chamber includes an interior space in which the first material can be positioned.

[0040] The processing chamber includes an intermediate wall that is inserted between the operating unit and the holding surface along the operating direction. The intermediate wall is made of a material that is transparent to electromagnetic waves.

[0041] The processing chamber includes at least one channel configured to allow insertion and / or removal of a first material from the processing chamber.

[0042] According to the first embodiment, the intermediate wall is removable to allow access to the interior space. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the intermediate wall defines at least one passageway to the processing chamber.

[0043] Optionally, the apparatus includes a conveyor configured to load and unload a first material and a second material from the processing chamber, respectively. The conveyor can be, for example, a robotic arm, a conveyor belt, or a general-purpose robotic conveyor. According to this embodiment, the conveyor removes the intermediate wall, positions the first material, closes the intermediate wall, and after thermal conversion, removes the intermediate wall again and unloads the generated second material, then reintroduces another portion of the first material (preferably for online processing in a continuous cycle).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the device includes a pump. The processing chamber includes a pumping opening. The pump is configured to draw air from the processing chamber. Additionally, or alternatively, the pump is configured to pump gas into the interior. Preferably, the gas pumped into the processing chamber is an inert gas.

[0045] The presence of the pump allows for control of the pressure in the processing chamber and the properties of the gases contained therein, which significantly reduces unwanted phenomena and reactions and improves the quality of the processing operation. The suction also improves the sealing performance of the intermediate wall and, if necessary, the sealing performance of the first and second doors.

[0046] Advantageously, the device includes a thermal control system. The thermal control system is associated with the holding surface. The thermal control system is configured to dissipate heat generated by the operating unit. The thermal control system is configured to regulate the thermal and / or humidity parameters within the processing chamber.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the conditioning system includes a Peltier unit for thermal conditioning of the processing chamber. According to other particularly advantageous embodiments, the base of the processing chamber includes a heat exchanger through which a thermal conditioning fluid flows, and the heat exchanger is connected to a thermal conditioning loop, such as a refrigeration loop.

[0048] This allows for optimal heat removal from the processing chamber, thereby preventing damage to the materials being processed.

[0049] Advantageously, the device includes a user interface.

[0050] The control unit is programmed to receive, for example, operational data using a user interface, which indicates the component to be processed and the corresponding operation to be performed.

[0051] The control unit is programmed to restore configuration data from the data archive; the configuration data includes one or more of the following parameters:

[0052] - Power value of electromagnetic waves;

[0053] -Characteristic parameters of electromagnetic waves;

[0054] - The mode of emitting electromagnetic waves (continuous or pulsed).

[0055] - The distance of the operating unit from the holding surface along the direction perpendicular to the normal of the holding surface;

[0056] - Parameters used to focus the wave;

[0057] - The temporal trend of electromagnetic wave incidence during operation;

[0058] -The type of the first or second material;

[0059] - The type of processing to be performed.

[0060] - This represents the movement curve indicating the reciprocating movement between the operating unit and the holding surface.

[0061] The control unit is programmed to generate control signals based on the restored configuration data.

[0062] The control unit is programmed to send control signals to the operating unit to instruct the operating unit to change the power value of the electromagnetic wave and / or the distance between the operating unit and the holding surface.

[0063] This allows for a wide range of flexibility in terms of processing operations and applications, making it well-suited for industrial environments.

[0064] In one implementation, the control unit is programmed to receive or export movement data representing the relative movement between the operating unit and the holding surface (e.g., included in configuration data or inserted separately).

[0065] The control unit is programmed to derive the extension of the operating unit's travel relative to the holding surface based on movement data. The control unit is also programmed to compare the extension of the operating unit's travel with a predetermined value.

[0066] The control unit is programmed to move the control operating unit to the full range of the travel for values ​​less than a predetermined value, or to move the control operating unit to a portion of the travel extension for values ​​greater than the predetermined value.

[0067] This aspect of the invention is crucial for minimizing vibration caused by the inertia of the operating unit moving relative to the holding surface (the same feature applies to cases where the holding surface is a movable element). In practice, the control unit has a travel limit; beyond this limit, the control unit controls movement with reduced movement, thus reducing the degree of vibration. Therefore, when the vibration is at an acceptable level, the travel is fully achieved. On the other hand, when the travel causes vibration that is unacceptable to quality standards, the control unit stops the movement.

[0068] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for thermally converting and nanostructuring a carbon-based first material to generate a second material having characteristics different from the first material.

[0069] The method includes the step of preparing a frame, which includes a retaining surface for holding a first material and a support structure.

[0070] The method includes the step of preparing an operating unit comprising a transmitter and an optical system.

[0071] The method includes the step of using a transmitter along the operating direction to transmit electromagnetic waves from the transmitter toward the operating direction that maintains the surface orientation.

[0072] The method includes the step of focusing an electromagnetic wave toward a first material via an optical system for generating a predetermined incident surface of the electromagnetic wave on a holding surface. The focusing step may optionally include a step of polarizing the electromagnetic wave.

[0073] The method includes the step of performing relative movement between the holding surface and the operating unit to change the incident position of the electromagnetic wave on the holding surface.

[0074] The method includes the step of sending a control signal to an operating unit or a holding surface using a control unit to control the relative movement between the operating unit and the holding surface.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the method, during the relative movement step, the distance traveled by the electromagnetic wave from the transmitter to the incident point on the holding surface remains constant during the processing.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the method, during the relative movement step, the incident position on the surface is kept aligned with the transmitter of the operating unit along the operating direction. Attached Figure Description

[0077] These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0078] Figure 1 An apparatus for thermally converting a first material into a second material is shown;

[0079] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The implementation scheme of the device;

[0080] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The implementation scheme of the device;

[0081] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The implementation scheme of the device;

[0082] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The processing chamber of the device. Detailed Implementation

[0083] Referring to the accompanying drawings, number 1 indicates an apparatus for thermally converting and nanostructuring a carbon-based first material to generate a second material, which has characteristics different from the first material.

[0084] The device includes a frame 10. The frame 10 includes a retaining surface 101 configured to support a first material (i.e., a support member on which the first material is positioned). The frame 10 includes a support structure 102. The support structure 102 holds the device 1 on the ground or any support surface on which the device 1 is located. The support structure 102 rises along the operating direction DL above the retaining surface 101.

[0085] The device 1 includes an operating unit 11 associated with a support structure 102. According to a non-limiting example embodiment, the support structure 102 includes a first crossbeam 102A extending along a longitudinal direction D1 perpendicular to the operating direction DL. The support structure 102 also includes a second crossbeam 102A extending along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1. The support structure 102 includes an operating actuator 102C configured to move the operating unit along the operating direction DL. The operating actuator 102C is connected to either the first crossbeam 102A or the second crossbeam 102B for movement along the longitudinal direction D1 or along the transverse direction. Furthermore, the second crossbeam 102B is capable of sliding along the first crossbeam 102A and vice versa. Thus, the operating unit 11 has three degrees of freedom, thereby defining a pantograph for all intentions and purposes.

[0086] The operating unit 11 includes a transmitter 111 designed to emit electromagnetic waves along the operating direction DL from the operating unit 11 toward the operating direction VL oriented towards the holding surface 101. The electromagnetic waves are preferably laser beams. The operating unit 11 includes an optical system 112. The optical system 112 is configured to focus the electromagnetic waves toward a first material to generate an incident surface for the electromagnetic waves on the holding surface 101. The optical system 112 is variable to alter the focusing of the electromagnetic waves, thereby defocusing the actively generated waves, which is necessary and effective for specific thermal conversion processes.

[0087] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the operating unit 11 moves relative to the holding surface 101 to change the incident position PI of the electromagnetic wave on the holding surface.

[0088] The device 1 includes a control unit 12. The control unit 12 is configured to send a control signal S1 to the operating unit 11 for controlling the movement of the operating unit 11 relative to the holding surface 101. For example, the control signal is an electrical signal sent to a driver of a continuous or stepper motor, which determines the movement of the operating unit 11 on the first crossbeam 102A, on the second crossbeam 102B, or the movement of the operating actuator 102C.

[0089] The distance the electromagnetic wave travels from the transmitter upwards to the holding surface (which can be defined as the optical path of the electromagnetic wave) is constant during the thermal conversion operation. According to the embodiment, the incident position PI on the holding surface 101 is aligned with the transmitter 111 of the operation unit 11 along the operation direction DL.

[0090] According to the implementation scheme, transmitter 111 includes a CO2 source. To better control the resolution of the laser writing, a near-infrared (l=1064 μm) fiber optic source can also be coupled to the CO2 source of transmitter 111a. The infrared source will allow for a reduction in resolution limitations and further reduce the incident surface of the electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the use of an infrared source has greater penetration capability than a CO2 source due to its greater thermal conversion capability, although in some cases its quality is generally lower than that obtained with a CO2 source laser. Other sources that can be used are those with blue or UV, ultraviolet diodes, which are particularly suitable for converting polyimide graphene.

[0091] Preferably, transmitter 111 is configured to transmit electromagnetic waves having a power of less than 80 W, preferably less than 50 W, and more preferably between 30 W and 50 W. According to other embodiments, the power involved is much higher, with the source potentially reaching a power of up to 1 kW, preferably between 0.5 kW and 1 kW.

[0092] The control unit 12 is programmed to change the power of the electromagnetic wave in a range between 0.5 W and 20 W, preferably between 1 W and 15 W, or between 2 W and 10 W, more preferably between 3 W and 5 W.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the optical system 112 is configured to generate an incident surface for electromagnetic waves having point-like, linear, regional, and / or circular shapes. Specifically, the optical system 112 may include an optical unit configured to receive and deflect electromagnetic waves to obtain a specific incident surface.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the operating unit 11 is configured to emit electromagnetic waves having a linear incident surface, the extension of which is equal to the longitudinal extension or the lateral extension of the device 1. This allows for a single pass of processing the first material over its entire longitudinal and / or lateral extension.

[0095] According to the implementation, the optical system 112 may include a filter that allows electromagnetic waves to be deflected to define an incident surface with a specific design for thermal conversion of a first material only, such as a specific graphic representation (e.g., a logo).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the operating unit 11 is configured to defocus the electromagnetic waves. According to this embodiment, the radius of the incident surface increases with the distance between the transmitter 111 and the holding surface 101. In other words, the electromagnetic waves are divergent, rather than convergent as in a focused case.

[0097] According to one implementation, the control unit 12 is programmed to control the power of the electromagnetic waves in conjunction with the defocusing of the electromagnetic waves, so as to define an optimal regional power for each operation to achieve the requested thermal conversion.

[0098] The device 1 includes a processing chamber 13.

[0099] The processing chamber 13 includes a base 131. The base 131 preferably defines a retaining surface 101. The processing chamber 13 includes an interior space VI in which the first material can be positioned.

[0100] The processing chamber 13 includes an intermediate wall 132 inserted along the operating direction DL between the operating unit 11 and the holding surface 101. The intermediate wall 132 is made of a material that is transparent to electromagnetic waves.

[0101] The processing chamber 13 includes at least one channel AC configured to allow insertion and / or removal of the first material from the processing chamber 13.

[0102] According to the first embodiment, the intermediate wall 132 is removable to allow access to the interior space VI. For this purpose, according to this embodiment, the intermediate wall 132 defines at least one passage AC to the processing chamber 13.

[0103] Optionally, the apparatus 1 includes a conveyor configured to load and unload a first material and a second material from the processing chamber 13, respectively. The conveyor can be, for example, a robotic arm, a conveyor belt, or a general-purpose robotic conveyor. According to this embodiment, the conveyor removes the intermediate wall 132, positions the first material, closes the intermediate wall 132, and after thermal conversion, removes the intermediate wall 132 again and unloads the generated second material, then reintroduces another portion of the first material (preferably for online processing in a continuous cycle).

[0104] According to another embodiment (which replaces or can be combined with the previous embodiment), the processing chamber 13 includes a first sidewall 133 and a second sidewall 134 connected to the base 131 and the intermediate wall 132. The first sidewall 133 includes a first door 133A that allows lateral insertion of a first material. The first door 133A is movable between an open position and a closed position, in which external access to the interior space VI of the processing chamber 13 is permitted, and in the closed position, external access to the processing chamber 13 is prohibited. Preferably, in the closed position of the first door 133A, the processing chamber 13 is fluid-tight to prevent air loss or leakage into the processing chamber 13.

[0105] According to the implementation plan, the first gate 133A can also be used as an exit gate to pick up the second material obtained from thermal conversion.

[0106] According to another embodiment, the second sidewall 134 includes a second door 134A, which allows lateral removal of the second material. The second door 134A is movable between a corresponding open position and a corresponding closed position. In the open position, external access to the interior space VI of the processing chamber 13 is permitted; in the closed position, external access to the processing chamber 13 is prohibited. Preferably, in the closed position of the second door 134A, the processing chamber 13 is fluid-tight to prevent air loss or leakage into the processing chamber 13.

[0107] Optionally, the apparatus 1 includes a first conveyor 135 for conveying a first material from a storage area to a first door 133A. Optionally, the apparatus 1 includes a second conveyor 136 for conveying a second material from a processing chamber 13 to a storage area or another device. Thus, the second conveyor 136 faces the second door 134A.

[0108] According to this implementation, a first conveyor 11 is used to bring a first material to a first door 133A, and the first conveyor 11 is switched to the open position. The first material is inserted into the processing chamber 13, and the first door 133A is switched to the closed position (the second door 134A is in the closed position). Once thermal conversion occurs, the second door 134A is switched to the open position, the second material is unloaded onto the second conveyor 136, and the second door 134A is closed again for further processing.

[0109] Preferably, according to this embodiment, the retaining surface 101 (i.e., the base 131 of the processing chamber 13) is a conveyor belt 137, which is configured to receive a first material from a first conveyor 135 and to move a second material toward a second conveyor 136.

[0110] According to one embodiment, device 1 includes a pump 14. Processing chamber 1 includes a pumping opening 141. Pump 14 is configured to draw air from inside processing chamber 13. Additionally, or alternatively, pump 14 is configured to pump gas into the interior. Preferably, the gas pumped in is an inert gas. According to one embodiment, pump 14 includes a suction device 142 for drawing air from processing chamber 13 and a delivery device 143 for pumping gas into processing chamber 13.

[0111] Advantageously, the base 131 of the processing chamber 13 is a suction base 131S, which is configured to keep the first material clamped due to the suction of air inside the processing chamber 13. For example, the suction of the pump 14 can be integrated with the suction base 131S, thus defining a suction device 142 for the pump 14.

[0112] The device 1 includes a thermal control system 15. The thermal control system 15 is associated with the holding surface 101. The thermal control system 15 is configured to dissipate heat generated by the operating unit 11 (i.e., via electromagnetic waves). The thermal control system 15 is configured to regulate the thermal and / or humidity parameters inside the processing chamber 13.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the conditioning system 15 includes a Peltier unit for thermal conditioning of the processing chamber 13. According to other particularly advantageous embodiments, the base 131 of the processing chamber 13 includes a heat exchanger 151 through which a thermal conditioning fluid flows, and the heat exchanger 151 is connected to a thermal conditioning circuit, such as a refrigeration circuit.

[0114] Advantageously, the device includes a user interface 16.

[0115] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for thermally converting and nanostructuring a first material to generate a second material having characteristics different from the first material.

[0116] The method includes the step of preparing a frame 10, which includes a retaining surface 101 for holding a first material and a support structure 102.

[0117] The method includes the step of preparing an operation unit 11 comprising a transmitter 111 and an optical system 112.

[0118] The method includes the step of using a transmitter 111 along the operating direction DL to emit electromagnetic waves from the transmitter 111 toward the operating direction VL that maintains the orientation of the surface 101.

[0119] The method includes the step of focusing (or defocusing) an electromagnetic wave toward a first material via an optical system 102 for generating a predetermined incident surface of the electromagnetic wave on a holding surface 101.

[0120] The method includes the step of performing relative movement between the holding surface 101 and the operating unit 11 to change the incident position PI of the electromagnetic wave on the holding surface 101.

[0121] The method includes the step of sending a control signal S1 to the operating unit 11 or the holding surface 101 using the control unit 12 to control the relative movement between the operating unit 11 and the holding surface 101.

[0122] According to an embodiment of the method, during the relative movement step, the distance traveled by the electromagnetic wave from the transmitter 111 to the incident point on the holding surface 101 remains constant during the process.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the method includes a modulation step, wherein the control unit 12 modulates the power of the source, preferably in the range of 2 W and 30 W.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the method includes the step of containing a first material and / or a second material, wherein the processing chamber 13 contains the first material within its internal space VI during the thermal conversion treatment.

[0125] The method includes a pressure regulation step in which pump 14 draws air from processing chamber 13 to create a negative pressure within processing chamber 13. During the pressure regulation step, pump 14 may also pump a preferably inert gas into processing chamber 13.

[0126] The method includes thermal conditioning and humidity conditioning steps, wherein the thermal conditioning system 15 regulates the temperature and / or humidity within the processing chamber 13.

[0127] The method includes the step of changing the processing dimensions using a user interface 16 and a control unit 12. Specifically, the control unit 12 receives operation data S2, for example, using the user interface, which represents the part to be processed and the corresponding operation to be performed. The control unit 12 restores configuration data S3 from the data archive. The configuration data includes one or more of the following parameters:

[0128] - Power value of electromagnetic waves;

[0129] - The distance between the operating unit 11 and the holding surface 102 along the direction perpendicular to the normal of the holding surface 101;

[0130] - Parameters used to focus the wave;

[0131] - The temporal trend of electromagnetic wave incidence during operation;

[0132] -The type of the first or second material;

[0133] - The type of processing to be performed.

[0134] - This represents the movement curve indicating the reciprocating movement between the operating unit 11 and the holding surface 101.

[0135] The control unit 12 generates a control signal S1 based on the restored configuration data S3.

[0136] The control unit 12 sends a control signal S1 to the operation unit 11 to instruct it to change the power value of the electromagnetic wave and / or the distance between the operation unit 11 and the holding surface 101.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the method includes a step for optimizing vibration. During the vibration optimization step, the control unit 12 receives or exports movement data representing the relative movement between the operating unit 11 and the holding surface 101 (e.g., included in configuration data or inserted separately).

[0138] The control unit 12 derives the extension amount of the travel of the operation unit 11 relative to the holding surface 101 based on the movement data. The control unit 12 compares the extension amount of the travel of the operation unit 11 with a predetermined value.

[0139] For values ​​less than a predetermined value, the control unit 12 controls the movement of the operating unit 11 to be equal to the entire extension of the stroke; or for values ​​greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 12 controls the movement of the operating unit 11 to be equal to a portion of the extension of the stroke. Specifically, the number of segments into which the entire stroke is divided ensures that each segment of the stroke does not exceed the predetermined value.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for thermally converting and nanostructuring a carbon-based first material to generate a second material, the second material having characteristics different from the first material, wherein the apparatus (1) comprises: -Frame (10), which includes: a retaining surface (101) configured to support the first material, and a support structure (102); - An operating unit (11), associated with the support structure (102), and comprising: - A transmitter (111) is designed to emit electromagnetic waves along the operating direction (DL) from the operating unit (11) toward the operating direction (VL) of the holding surface (101); - An optical system (112) configured to focus electromagnetic waves toward the first material to generate an incident surface of electromagnetic waves on the holding surface (101); the holding surface (101) and the operating unit (11) are movable relative to each other to change the incident position (PI) of the electromagnetic waves on the holding surface (101). - A control unit (12) is configured to send a control signal (S1) to the operating unit (11) or the holding surface (101) for controlling the reciprocating movement between the operating unit (11) and the holding surface (101), wherein the incident position (PI) on the holding surface (101) is aligned with the transmitter (111) of the operating unit (11) along the operating direction (DL).

2. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support structure (102) includes a fixed element (102') integral with the frame (10) and movable elements (102A, 102B, 102C), the movable elements (102A, 102B, 102C) being connected to the operating unit (11) and movable relative to the fixed element (102') for moving the operating unit (11) relative to the holding surface (101) integral with the frame (10).

3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The transmitter (111) is configured to emit electromagnetic waves with a power of less than 50 W.

4. The apparatus (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The control unit (12) is programmed to change the power of the electromagnetic wave within a range of 1 W and 15 W.

5. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The optical system (112) is configured to generate an incident surface for the electromagnetic wave having a point-like, linear, regional, and / or circular shape.

6. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The transmitter (111) includes one or more of the following features: -Sealed source; -CO2 source; - An optical fiber source that emits electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 900μm and 1300μm; - Diode source; -UV source; - A magnetic field source, which may be variable or constant; - Cable source, which is suitable for microwave frequencies between 2GHz and 3GHz.

7. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a processing chamber (13), the processing chamber (13) comprising: Base (131), the base (131) defines the retaining surface (101). The interior space (VI), in which the first material can be positioned; and the intermediate wall (132), which is inserted between the operating unit (11) and the holding surface (101) along the operating direction (DL) and is made of a material that is transparent to electromagnetic waves.

8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The intermediate wall (132) is removable to allow access to the interior space (VI).

9. The apparatus (1) according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a pump (14), wherein the processing chamber (13) comprises a pumping opening (141), the pump (14) being configured to draw air from the interior of the processing chamber (13) and pump gas into the interior.

10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The base (131) of the processing chamber (13) is a suction base, which is configured to hold the first material in place due to the suction of air inside the processing chamber (13).

11. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims includes a thermal conditioning system (15) associated with the holding surface (101) and configured to dissipate heat generated by the operating unit (11) or to regulate thermal and / or humidity parameters inside the processing chamber (13).

12. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a user interface (16), wherein the control unit is programmed to: - Using the user interface (16), receive operation data (S2) indicating the component to be processed and the corresponding operation to be performed. - Restore the configuration data in the data archive (S3), the configuration data including: The power value of the electromagnetic wave, and / or the distance of the operating unit (11) from the holding surface (101) along the normal direction (DN) perpendicular to the holding surface (101); - Generate control signals (S1) based on the restored configuration data (S3); - Send a control signal (S1) to the operating unit (11) to instruct it to change the power value of the electromagnetic wave and / or the distance of the operating unit (11) from the holding surface (101).

13. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control unit (12) is programmed to receive or export movement data (S4), the movement data (S4) representing the relative movement between the operating unit (11) and the holding surface (101), and wherein the control unit (12) is programmed to: - Based on the movement data (S4), the extension amount of the travel of the operation unit (11) relative to the holding surface (101) is derived; - Compare the extension of the stroke of the operation unit (11) with a predetermined value; - For values ​​less than a predetermined value, control the movement of the operation unit (11) to be equal to the entire range of the stroke, or for values ​​greater than the predetermined value, command the movement of the operation unit (11) to be equal to a portion of the extension of the stroke.

14. A method for thermally converting and nanostructuring a carbon-based first material to generate a second material, the second material having characteristics different from the first material, the method comprising the following steps: - Prepare a frame (10), the frame (10) comprising: a holding surface (101) for holding the first material and a support structure (102); - Prepare an operation unit (11) including a transmitter (111) and an optical system (112). - Electromagnetic waves are emitted by the transmitter (111) along the operating direction (DL) in the operating direction (VL) of the transmitter (111) toward the orientation of the holding surface (101); - The optical system (112) focuses electromagnetic waves toward the first material to generate a predetermined incident surface of the electromagnetic waves on the holding surface (101). - To perform relative movement between the holding surface (101) and the operating unit (11) to change the incident position of the electromagnetic wave on the holding surface (101); - Control signal (S1) is sent to the operating unit (11) or the holding surface (101) by the control unit (12) to control the relative movement between the operating unit (11) and the holding surface (101), wherein, during the relative movement step, the incident position on the holding surface (101) is aligned with the transmitter (111) of the operating unit (11) along the operating direction (DL).

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