Continuous Black Phosphorus Production via Spiral Reactor and Inert Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing black phosphorus are hindered by high energy consumption, low production efficiency, and difficulty in scaling up due to harsh high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, leading to low success rates and oxidation of the product.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for continuous production of black phosphorus under normal pressure using a heat-resistant spiral conversion reactor with multiple temperature zones, inert gas environment, and a propeller blade system, which allows for controlled reaction conditions and efficient processing of red or yellow phosphorus with tin and iodine, optimizing production and reducing auxiliary material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure and high temperature conditions are used to produce black phosphorus, then the synthesis can be achieved, but the production process becomes harsh and difficult to industrialize at large scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high pressure to normal pressure conditions, fundamentally altering the reaction conditions to enable industrialization while maintaining synthesis success through alternative chemical pathways using iodine and tin as catalysts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces iodine and tin as intermediary substances that facilitate the conversion of red or yellow phosphorus to black phosphorus under normal pressure, acting as catalysts that enable the reaction without requiring harsh high pressure conditions
2Reliability
If high pressure method or high energy ball milling method is used to convert red phosphorus to black phosphorus, then black phosphorus can be synthesized, but the temperature and pressure are not easy to control and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes multiple parameters simultaneously - pressure (from high to normal), temperature (controlled gradient instead of uniform high temperature), and introduces catalytic substances (iodine and tin) to enable the reaction under milder conditions with lower energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical high energy ball milling method with a chemical reaction system using iodine and tin catalysts under normal pressure, substituting mechanical energy input with chemical reaction pathways that require less energy
3Reliability
If intermittent production method is used for black phosphorus, then synthesis can be performed, but it is difficult to develop and commercialize applications on large scale basis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a continuous production system where red or yellow phosphorus with iodine and tin is continuously fed into the reaction chamber, maintaining continuous chemical reaction and product formation, eliminating the intermittent batch processing of conventional methods
4Reliability
If conventional methods are used to produce black phosphorus, then synthesis can be achieved, but the prepared black phosphorus is easily oxidized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inert gas environment (nitrogen or argon) throughout the reaction system including the reaction chamber and collection system, creating an oxygen-free atmosphere that prevents oxidation of the black phosphorus product during synthesis and collection
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
This approach enables large-scale, cost-effective, and high-quality production of black phosphorus with reduced auxiliary material consumption, improved purity, and extended equipment lifespan, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by allowing continuous operation under normal pressure and preventing oxidation.
Implementation Method 1
heating the raw material in the feeding pipe and then feeding into the reaction chamber
Implementation Method 2
the propeller blade unit comprises a rotating shaft, a blade element mounted on the rotating shaft
Implementation Method 3
dividing the heat-resistant spiral conversion reactor into a plurality of heating zones from the first end to the second end
Implementation Method 4
an inert gas input pipe connected to the discharge pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A device for producing black phosphorus which includes a reactor having one end connected to a feeding pipe and another end connected to a discharge pipe; a propeller blade unit including a rotating shaft mounted between the two ends of the reactor and a blade element mounted on the rotating shaft; a motor connected to the rotating shaft for controlling a rotation speed of the blade element; a heating device enclosing the reactor at an outer side and defines the reactor into a plurality of heating zones; and an inert gas input connected to the discharge pipe. The device is simple and safe in operation, can optimize the production process at low cost, and has high level of automation, thus facilitating a continuous production of black phosphorus under normal pressure.