Amine-Free Quantum Dot Coating for Thermal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Quantum dots used in matrices under light flux and elevated temperatures often experience discoloration due to the presence of amine species, which can lead to unwanted photochemistry and deactivate curing mechanisms, such as in silicone matrices, resulting in issues like yellowing or browning.

Innovation Solution

Developing quantum dots that are substantially free of amine species, either in the core or coating, by using high-temperature coating processes and selecting reactants that exclude amines, to maintain photoluminescence efficiency even at elevated temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If amine species are present in quantum dots, then ease of manufacture is improved, but discoloration occurs under light flux and elevated temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddiscoloration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes amine species from the quantum dot structure by using alternative ligands such as carboxylic acids, phosphines, or thiols during the synthesis process. This extraction of the harmful amine component eliminates the source of discoloration while maintaining the quantum dot's functional properties through alternative surface chemistry approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the surface ligands by substituting amine-based ligands with non-amine ligands having different chemical compositions and properties. This parameter change in ligand chemistry fundamentally alters the quantum dot's interaction with light and oxygen, preventing the photochemical reactions that cause discoloration under elevated temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If amine species are present in quantum dots, then ease of manufacture is improved, but photoluminescence efficiency decreases at elevated temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidphotoluminescence efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts amine species from the quantum dot system and replaces them with thermally stable ligands that maintain photoluminescence efficiency at elevated temperatures. The alternative ligands prevent thermal degradation pathways that would otherwise reduce quantum yield, ensuring reliable optical performance in high-temperature applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite surface structure on the quantum dots by combining inorganic core materials with organic ligands that have complementary properties - the ligands provide thermal stability and photostability while the core provides optical functionality. This composite approach achieves both ease of manufacture and high reliability at elevated temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If amine species are present in quantum dots, then ease of manufacture is improved, but curing mechanisms are deactivated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidcuring mechanism functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes amine species that interfere with curing mechanisms by using alternative ligand chemistry. The non-amine ligands do not deactivate catalysts or interfere with crosslinking reactions, allowing the quantum dots to be integrated into cured matrices while maintaining both ease of manufacture and curing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If quantum dots are used under light flux and elevated temperatures, then application performance is improved, but discoloration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication performanceVSAvoiddiscoloration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the quantum dot surface by using photostable, thermally stable ligands that resist degradation under light flux and elevated temperatures. This parameter change in surface chemistry prevents photochemical reactions and thermal oxidation that cause discoloration, enabling reliable application performance in demanding environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an inert protective environment around the quantum dot core through the use of stable ligand shells that prevent interaction between the core and reactive species in the environment. This inert-like protection from surface ligands prevents photochemical and oxidative degradation, eliminating discoloration while maintaining application performance under light flux and elevated temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The absence of amine species in quantum dots reduces discoloration and maintains high photoluminescence efficiency at temperatures above 90°C, ensuring stability and performance in light-exposed applications.

Implementation Method 1

solid state photoluminescence external quantum efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10008631B2Coated semiconductor nanocrystals and products including same
Publication Date: 2018.06.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US10008631B2 patent drawing
  • US10008631B2 patent drawing
  • US10008631B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A coated quantum dot is provided wherein the quantum dot is characterized by having a solid state photoluminescence external quantum efficiency at a temperature of 90° C. or above that is at least 95% of the solid state photoluminescence external quantum efficiency of the semiconductor nanocrystal at 25° C. Products including quantum dots described herein are also disclosed.