Novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform

Abstract

The utility model discloses a novel quantum dot micro-fluidic synthesis platform which comprises an injector and a micro-fluidic chip, and the micro-fluidic chip comprises a first reactant flow channel, a second reactant flow channel, a third reactant flow channel, a first-step chemical reaction flow channel and a second-step chemical reaction flow channel; the first reactant flow channel and the second reactant flow channel intersect at a certain angle and are connected with one end of the first-step chemical reaction flow channel, and the other end of the first-step chemical reaction flow channel and the third reactant flow channel intersect at a certain angle and are connected with one end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel. The other end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel is communicated with a product collecting bottle; the ends, extending to the outer side of the micro-fluidic chip, of the first reactant flow channel, the second reactant flow channel and the third reactant flow channel are connected with injectors in a one-to-one correspondence mode, and stepping motors are arranged at the pushing ends of the injectors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of quantum dot material synthesis, in particular to a novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform. Background Technique

[0002] Quantum dots are semiconductor nanocrystals or nanoparticles with diameters in the nanometer range. In the past 20 years, quantum dots have obtained important applications in nanotechnology and nanoscience as innovative materials. Quantum dots have many advantages, including narrow emission, high photoluminescence, spectral purity, and photochemical stability. In addition, by adjusting the size of quantum dots, the fluorescence of quantum dots can achieve full-band coverage from ultraviolet to near-infrared. These advantages make quantum dot materials promising to replace traditional organic dyes and become a new generation of display and lighting materials. Due to the wide application of quantum dots and the increasing demand for quantum dot materials, the synthesis technology of quantum dots has developed extensively in the past 20 years. Currently, there are mainly two methods for synthesizing quantum dots: vapor phase epitaxial growth method and liquid phase method.

[0003] For example, the invention disclosure patent with the application number CN202210262692.1 discloses a large-scale continuous quantum dot purification device and method. First, the quantum dot solution to be purified and the target ligand antisolvent are respectively loaded into different storage chambers, and then they are simultaneously introduced into the spray vaporization chamber for atomization. By using the differences in density and volatility between quantum dots and solvents, the purified quantum dots are separated from the residual solvents; the quantum dots after primary purification can be subjected to in-situ detection and then purified multiple times according to performance requirements. Compared with the batch method, this large-scale continuous quantum dot purification device and method can adopt a continuous sampling method, and through the gas-liquid phase transformation, the continuousization of the quantum dot ligand exchange process can be realized. It can be continuously operated, with high ligand exchange effectiveness and high repeatability, and there is no harm of organic solvent exposure. And according to the in-situ detection results and combined with an intelligent system, large-scale intelligent continuous production can be realized.

[0004] The above patent describes a large-scale continuous quantum dot purification device and method, which realizes the continuousization of the quantum dot ligand exchange process through the gas-liquid phase transformation; however, the reaction instruments in this device are complex and numerous, the overall cost is expensive, and the operation of the staff is complex, which is not conducive to the large-scale popularization and industrial application of this technology; it needs to be further improved. Content of the Utility Model

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform, aiming to improve the problems that the reaction instruments in the existing quantum dot synthesis equipment are complex and numerous, the overall cost is expensive, and the operation of the staff is complex, which is not conducive to the large-scale popularization and industrial application of this technology.

[0006] The present utility model is implemented as follows: A novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform includes a syringe and also includes a microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip includes a first reaction material flow channel, a second reaction material flow channel, a third reaction material flow channel, a first-step chemical reaction flow channel, and a second-step chemical reaction flow channel. One end of the first-step chemical reaction flow channel is connected by the first reaction material flow channel and the second reaction material flow channel intersecting at a certain angle. The other end of the first-step chemical reaction flow channel and the third reaction material flow channel intersect at a certain angle to connect one end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel. The other end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel is connected to a product collection bottle. One end of the first reaction material flow channel, the second reaction material flow channel, and the third reaction material flow channel extending outside the microfluidic chip are respectively connected to a syringe, and a stepper motor is provided at the pushing end of the syringe.

[0007] Preferably, it further includes capillary hoses. One end of the first reaction material flow channel, the second reaction material flow channel, and the third reaction material flow channel extending outside the microfluidic chip are respectively provided with a first reactant injection port, a second reactant injection port, and a ligand injection port. The first reactant injection port, the second reactant injection port, and the ligand injection port are all connected to the liquid outlet of the corresponding syringe through capillary hoses. One end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel extending outside the microfluidic chip is provided with a product outlet, and the product outlet is connected to the product collection bottle through a capillary hose.

[0008] Preferably, it further includes a syringe holder. The stepper motor and the syringe are both installed on the syringe holder, and the pushing end of the stepper motor abuts against the pushing end of the syringe.

[0009] Preferably, the stepper motor drives the pushing end of the syringe holder to push the syringe at a fixed rate with a constant power.

[0010] Preferably, the microfluidic chip further includes a lower substrate, a cover plate, and an adhesive layer. The lower substrate and the cover plate are adhered together through the adhesive layer.

[0011] Preferably, the first reaction material flow channel, the second reaction material flow channel, the third reaction material flow channel, the first-step chemical reaction flow channel, and the second-step chemical reaction flow channel are all etched on the lower substrate.

[0012] Preferably, the structures of the first reaction material flow channel, the second reaction material flow channel, the third reaction material flow channel, the first-step chemical reaction flow channel, and the second-step chemical reaction flow channel include straight channels and curved channels, and rounded corners are provided at the joints between the straight channels and the curved channels.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model are:

[0014] 1. The utility model realizes the automatic mixing of different precursor liquids or ligands through the convection of fluids between different pipelines by etching a combination of various flow channels on the lower substrate of the microfluidic chip. This improves the mixing efficiency. At the same time, the microfluidic chip adopts a reaction mode of continuous flow mixing with a small amount of liquid, thus effectively avoiding the waste of products caused by insufficient reaction and effectively improving the yield of quantum dots. In addition, the continuous flow mixing of liquids is achieved only through a syringe and a microfluidic chip. The entire experimental process does not involve large-scale precision instruments and is easy to operate, which is conducive to the large-scale promotion of this technology.

[0015] 2. By setting up a microfluidic chip, the utility model can control the automatic mixing between reactants and the collection of reactions and products. Experimental personnel only need to add reactants in a timely manner. On the one hand, this greatly simplifies the experimental steps. At the same time, it eliminates the interference of human factors, making the reaction parameters of the microfluidic synthesis platform more constant and controllable. The size distribution of the synthesized quantum dots will also be more uniform and the fluorescence performance will be better. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform of the utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic side view structure diagram of the microfluidic chip of the utility model;

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the serpentine flow channel repeating unit of the utility model.

[0019] In the figure: 1. Stepper motor; 2. Syringe holder; 3. Syringe; 4. Capillary hose; 5. Microfluidic chip; 501. Lower substrate; 502. Cover plate; 503. Bonding layer; 6. First reactant injection port; 7. Second reactant injection port; 8. Ligand injection port; 9. First reaction flow channel; 10. Second reaction flow channel; 11. Third reaction flow channel; 12. First-step chemical reaction flow channel; 13. Second-step chemical reaction flow channel; 14. Product outlet; 15. Product collection bottle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, terms such as "installation", "connection", "connection", "fixation" and other terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0021] The following will be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0022] Embodiment 1

[0023] As Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, a novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform includes a syringe 3, and also includes a microfluidic chip 5. The microfluidic chip 5 includes a first reaction material flow channel 9, a second reaction material flow channel 10, a third reaction material flow channel 11, a first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12, and a second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13. The microfluidic chip 5 further includes a lower substrate 501, a cover plate 502, and an adhesive layer 503. The lower substrate 501 and the cover plate 502 are adhered together through the adhesive layer 503 to ensure the sealing of the microfluidic chip 5. The thickness of the adhesive layer 503 can be ignored. The first reaction material flow channel 9, the second reaction material flow channel 10, the third reaction material flow channel 11, the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12, and the second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13 are all etched on the lower substrate 501, and their depth and width are both 0.5 mm. The structures of the first reaction material flow channel 9, the second reaction material flow channel 10, the third reaction material flow channel 11, the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12, and the second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13 include straight channels and curved channels. Rounded corners are provided at the joints of the straight channels and the curved channels to prevent the solution from staying and settling at the sharp corners for a long time and then blocking the pipeline. The curved channels are mainly formed by connecting multiple repeating units end to end, and the arc length of each repeating unit is 3.4558 mm.

[0024] As Figure 1As shown in the figure, the first reaction material flow channel 9 and the second reaction material flow channel 10 intersect and connect to one end of the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12 at a fixed angle of 60°, and mixing and reaction are achieved in the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12 to generate the required quantum dots. The other end of the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12 and the third reaction material flow channel 11 intersect and connect to one end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13 at a fixed angle of 60°. The ligand in the third reaction material flow channel 11 will bind to the quantum dots generated in the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12. The other end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13 is connected to the product collection bottle 15. It also includes a capillary hose 4. One end of the first reaction material flow channel 9, the second reaction material flow channel 10, and the third reaction material flow channel 11 extending outside the microfluidic chip 5 are respectively provided with a first reactant injection port 6, a second reactant injection port 7, and a ligand injection port 8. The first reactant injection port 6, the second reactant injection port 7, and the ligand injection port 8 are all connected to the liquid outlet of the corresponding syringe 3 through the capillary hose 4. One end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13 extending outside the microfluidic chip 5 is provided with a product outlet 14. The product outlet 14 and the product collection bottle 15 are connected through the capillary hose 4. Finally, it flows into the capillary hose 4 from the product outlet 14 and finally converges into the product collection bottle 15. One end of the first reaction material flow channel 9, the second reaction material flow channel 10, and the third reaction material flow channel 11 extending outside the microfluidic chip 5 are respectively connected to a syringe 3. The push end of the syringe 3 is provided with a stepper motor 1. Additionally, it also includes a syringe holder 2. The stepper motor 1 and the syringe 3 are both installed on the syringe holder 2. The push end of the stepper motor 1 abuts against the push end of the syringe 3. The stepper motor 1 drives the push end of the syringe holder 2 to push the syringe 3 at a fixed rate with a constant power, thereby achieving the control of the sample injection speed.

[0025] Example 2

[0026] As Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, a novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform includes a syringe 3 and also includes a microfluidic chip 5. The microfluidic chip 5 includes a first reaction material flow channel 9, a second reaction material flow channel 10, a third reaction material flow channel 11, a first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12, and a second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13. The microfluidic chip 5 also includes a lower substrate 501, a cover plate 502, and an adhesive layer 503. The lower substrate 501 and the cover plate 502 are adhered together through the adhesive layer 503. The first reaction material flow channel 9, the second reaction material flow channel 10, the third reaction material flow channel 11, the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12, and the second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13 are all etched on the lower substrate 501. The structures of the first reaction material flow channel 9, the second reaction material flow channel 10, the third reaction material flow channel 11, the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12, and the second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13 include straight channels and curved channels, and rounded corners are provided at the joints between the straight channels and the curved channels.

[0027] As Figure 1 shown, the first reaction material flow channel 9 and the second reaction material flow channel 10 intersect and connect one end of the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12 at a fixed angle of 60°, and mixing and reaction are realized in the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12 to generate the required quantum dots. The other end of the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12 and the third reaction material flow channel 11 intersect and connect one end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13 at a fixed angle of 60°. The ligand in the third reaction material flow channel 11 will bind to the quantum dots generated in the first-step chemical reaction flow channel 12. The other end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13 communicates with the product collection bottle 15. It also includes a capillary hose 4. One ends of the first reaction material flow channel 9, the second reaction material flow channel 10, and the third reaction material flow channel 11 extending outside the microfluidic chip 5 are respectively provided with a first reactant injection port 6, a second reactant injection port 7, and a ligand injection port 8. The first reactant injection port 6, the second reactant injection port 7, and the ligand injection port 8 are all communicated with the liquid outlet of the corresponding syringe 3 through the capillary hose 4. One end of the second-step chemical reaction flow channel 13 extending outside the microfluidic chip 5 is provided with a product outlet 14, and the product outlet 14 and the product collection bottle 15 are communicated through the capillary hose 4. One ends of the first reaction material flow channel 9, the second reaction material flow channel 10, and the third reaction material flow channel 11 extending outside the microfluidic chip 5 are respectively connected with a syringe 3. A stepping motor 1 is arranged at the pushing end of the syringe 3. In addition, it also includes a syringe holder 2. The stepping motor 1 and the syringe 3 are both installed on the syringe holder 2. The pushing end of the stepping motor 1 abuts against the pushing end of the syringe 3. The stepping motor 1 drives the pushing end of the syringe holder 2 to push the syringe 3 at a fixed rate with a constant power.

[0028] The working principle of the present utility model: During operation, the experimenter should first suck a certain volume of the prepared first reactant, second reactant, and ligand solution with the syringe 3, then fix the syringe 3 on the syringe holder 2, and then connect the outlet of the syringe 3 and the corresponding first reactant injection port 6, second reactant injection port 7, and ligand injection port 8 through the capillary hose 4. At the same time, connect the product outlet 14 and the product collection bottle 15 with the capillary hose 4. After the installation is completed, set the output power of the stepping motor 1 and start the stepping motor 1. The stepping motor 1 will drive the baffle on the syringe holder to push the syringe at a fixed rate to achieve constant-rate sample injection. Finally, control the subsequent reaction through the microfluidic chip 5 and automatically collect the product. The experimenter only needs to add reactants in a timely manner.

[0029] In summary, the present utility model realizes the automatic mixing between different precursor liquids or ligands through the convection of fluids between different pipelines by etching a combination of various flow channels on the lower substrate 501 of the microfluidic chip 5, thereby improving the mixing efficiency. At the same time, the microfluidic chip 5 adopts a reaction mode of continuous flow mixing with a small amount of liquid, effectively avoiding the waste of products caused by insufficient reaction and effectively improving the yield of quantum dots. In addition, the continuous flow mixing of liquids is realized only through the syringe 3 and the microfluidic chip 5, and the whole experimental process does not involve large-scale precision instruments and is easy to operate, which is conducive to the large-scale popularization of this technology. By setting the microfluidic chip 5, the mixing between reactants, the reaction and the collection of products can be automatically controlled. The experimenter only needs to add reactants in a timely manner. On the one hand, this greatly simplifies the experimental steps and eliminates the interference of human factors, making the reaction parameters of the microfluidic synthesis platform more constant and controllable, and the size distribution of the synthesized quantum dots more uniform and the fluorescence performance better.

[0030] The above is only the preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, the present utility model may have various modifications and changes. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform, comprising a syringe (3), characterized in that: The invention also comprises a microfluidic chip (5), wherein the microfluidic chip (5) comprises a first reaction flow channel (9), a second reaction flow channel (10), a third reaction flow channel (11), a first step chemical reaction flow channel (12) and a second step chemical reaction flow channel (13); the first reaction flow channel (9) and the second reaction flow channel (10) intersect at a certain angle to connect one end of the first step chemical reaction flow channel (12); the other end of the first step chemical reaction flow channel (12) and the third reaction flow channel (11) intersect at a certain angle to connect one end of the second step chemical reaction flow channel (13); the other end of the second step chemical reaction flow channel (13) is connected to a product collection bottle (15); and one end of the first reaction flow channel (9), the second reaction flow channel (10) and the third reaction flow channel (11) extending to the outside of the microfluidic chip (5) is connected to a syringe (3) in a one-to-one correspondence, and a stepping motor (1) is provided at a driving end of the syringe (3).

2. A novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a capillary hose (4), wherein one end of the first reaction flow channel (9), the second reaction flow channel (10) and the third reaction flow channel (11) extending to the outside of the microfluidic chip (5) is provided with a first reactant injection port (6), a second reactant injection port (7) and a ligand injection port (8) in a one-to-one correspondence, and the first reactant injection port (6), the second reactant injection port (7) and the ligand injection port (8) are all connected to the liquid outlet of the corresponding syringe (3) through the capillary hose (4); and one end of the second step chemical reaction flow channel (13) extending to the outside of the microfluidic chip (5) is provided with a product outlet (14), and the product outlet (14) and the product collection bottle (15) are connected through the capillary hose (4).

3. A novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: In addition, a syringe rack (2) is included, the stepping motor (1) and the syringe (3) are both mounted on the syringe rack (2), and the driving end of the stepping motor (1) abuts against the driving end of the syringe (3).

4. A novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform according to claim 3, characterized in that: The stepper motor (1) drives the pushing end of the syringe holder (2) at a constant power to push the syringe (3) at a fixed speed.

5. A novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microfluidic chip (5) further comprises a lower substrate (501), a cover plate (502) and an adhesive layer (503), wherein the lower substrate (501) and the cover plate (502) are bonded together via the adhesive layer (503).

6. A novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first reaction flow channel (9), the second reaction flow channel (10), the third reaction flow channel (11), the first step chemical reaction flow channel (12) and the second step chemical reaction flow channel (13) are all etched on the lower substrate (501).

7. A novel quantum dot microfluidic synthesis platform according to claim 6, characterized in that: The structures of the first reaction flow channel (9), the second reaction flow channel (10), the third reaction flow channel (11), the first step chemical reaction flow channel (12) and the second step chemical reaction flow channel (13) include straight flow channels and curved flow channels, and the connection between the straight flow channel and the curved flow channel is provided with a rounded transition.

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