Covalent Organic Framework Particles for Charge Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) lack control over molecular-level structure and patterning, leading to random organization of polymer chains, and there is a need for materials with enhanced characteristics beyond their porosity and low density.

Innovation Solution

Development of COF particles with a plurality of segments and linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework, specifically using N,N,N′,N′-tetraphenyl]-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine segments, which are patterned in two- or three-dimensions to form charge transport particles with added functionalities such as electron, hole, or ambipolar charge transport, suitable for use in electronic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional COFs are synthesized using polymerization of molecular monomers, then high porosity and low density are achieved, but control over molecular-level structure and patterning is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol over molecular-level structureVSAvoidorganization of polymer chains
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the COF structure into discrete molecular building blocks (segments) connected by linkers. This allows each segment to be independently designed and synthesized with specific functions, enabling precise control over molecular-level structure while maintaining the overall framework architecture. The segmented approach transforms the random polymer chain organization into a controlled assembly of functional modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different functional properties to different regions of the COF structure through selective placement of molecular building blocks. Specific segments can be engineered with charge transport moieties, catalytic sites, or other functionalities at localized positions within the framework, allowing tailored properties in specific areas while maintaining the overall porous structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional COFs are synthesized using polymerization of molecular monomers, then high porosity and low density are achieved, but patterning of molecular building blocks is random

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatterning of molecular building blocksVSAvoidsynthesis process control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synthesizing molecular building blocks with predetermined structures, functionalities, and reactive groups before assembling them into the COF framework. This pre-functionalization allows the building blocks to self-assemble into patterned structures with controlled orientation and positioning, eliminating the randomness of conventional polymerization while simplifying the overall synthesis process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the chemical properties of molecular building blocks, such as introducing specific functional groups, adjusting molecular geometry, or changing solubility characteristics. These parameter modifications enable controlled self-assembly and patterning of building blocks during COF formation, transitioning from random to ordered structures through systematic variation of molecular parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional COFs are synthesized using polymerization of molecular monomers, then high porosity and low density are achieved, but any ordering at molecular-level is a consequence of natural intermolecular packing tendencies rather than design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemolecular-level orderingVSAvoiddesign control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different functional properties to different regions of the COF structure through selective placement of molecular building blocks. Specific segments can be engineered with charge transport moieties, catalytic sites, or other functionalities at localized positions within the framework, allowing tailored properties in specific areas while maintaining the overall porous structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple types of molecular building blocks with different functionalities within a single COF framework. This creates a composite structure where organic segments, linkers, and functional moieties work synergistically to achieve both the desired porous architecture and controlled molecular-level ordering with specific functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8859171B2Charge transport particles
Publication Date: 2014.10.14 XEROX CORP
  • US8859171B2 patent drawing
  • US8859171B2 patent drawing
  • US8859171B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A charge transport particle comprising a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework, wherein at a macroscopic level the covalent organic framework is a particle that has electroactive added functionality.