Core-Shell Catalyst Manufacturing via Laser Ablation and Electrodeposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing nanoscale core-shell catalysts face challenges such as deteriorated catalyst activity, non-uniform particle sizes, and difficulties in mass production, particularly due to issues with colloidal dispersion and solvent flow affecting laser ablation precision.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for manufacturing nanoscale core-shell catalysts involving laser ablation of a metal ingot in a titanium reaction chamber, with real-time control of electric potential and precursor injection to achieve uniform coating and continuous production of core-shell particles with controlled diameter and shell thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If colloidal dispersion is used in catalyst synthesis, then catalyst activity deteriorates, but traditional synthesis methods are simpler

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activityVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes colloidal dispersion from the synthesis process entirely. Instead of using colloidal dispersion methods, the patent employs a two-step electrochemical approach where metal particles are first deposited as a core, then coated with shell material through controlled potential deposition, eliminating the harmful colloidal dispersion step while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary electrochemical deposition process between core formation and shell coating. By using controlled potential electrolysis with a mercury cathode, the method creates a stable intermediate state that allows precise control over particle formation and shell deposition, avoiding both colloidal dispersion issues and direct precipitation problems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional drying methods are used for metal compound particles, then particle sizes become non-uniform, but alternative methods increase process complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size uniformityVSAvoiddrying process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical drying methods with electrochemical deposition control. Instead of using heat or mechanical forces that cause non-uniform particle sizes, the patent uses controlled potential electrolysis to deposit metal shells uniformly on particle surfaces, achieving precise size control through electrical parameter management rather than mechanical drying

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the controlling parameters from thermal/mechanical to electrical parameters. By controlling deposition potential, current density, and electrolyte composition, the method achieves uniform particle sizes through electrochemical parameters rather than thermal drying parameters, enabling precise control over shell thickness and particle morphology

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If solvent flow is not controlled during laser ablation, then laser ablation precision decreases, but flow control adds process complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser ablation precisionVSAvoidsolvent flow control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates an equipotential environment for laser ablation by controlling solvent flow to be laminar and uniform across the ablation zone. By maintaining consistent flow conditions and using a controlled electrolyte environment, the method ensures uniform heat distribution and consistent particle formation during laser ablation, achieving precision without complex flow control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs self-regulating flow characteristics where the electrolyte solution naturally maintains stable flow patterns through its own physical properties. By selecting appropriate electrolyte viscosity and flow rates, the system self-regulates to provide stable ablation conditions without requiring external active control mechanisms, achieving precision through inherent system properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of substance

If core-shell structure is synthesized to reduce platinum usage, then cost decreases, but shell thickness uniformity becomes difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatinum usage amountVSAvoidshell thickness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary preparation of the core structure with precisely controlled surface properties before shell deposition. By first creating uniform metal particles through controlled laser ablation and electrochemical deposition, then activating their surfaces through controlled potential treatment, the method ensures that subsequent shell material deposits uniformly, achieving both platinum reduction and thickness control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements feedback control during shell deposition by monitoring deposition potential and adjusting current density in real-time. Through controlled potential electrolysis, the system continuously adjusts deposition conditions to maintain uniform shell thickness, using electrical parameter feedback to ensure consistent coating quality while minimizing platinum usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables the continuous production of core-shell catalysts with uniform particle sizes and improved shell thickness, enhancing reaction efficiency and productivity by maintaining controlled electric potential and minimizing solvent flow effects.

Implementation Method 1

manufacturing a metal nanoparticle by emitting a laser beam to a solution containing a metal ingot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

coating a metal nanoparticle with copper by providing electric potential higher than oxidation and reduction potentials of copper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical deposition: Electrodeposition

Implementation Method 3

manufacturing a particle in the form of a core-shell in which the metal nanoparticle is coated with platinum by mixing a solution containing a platinum ion with a solution containing the manufactured metal nanoparticle coated with copper and inducing a galvanic displacement reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGalvanic displacement: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS11658307B2Method and apparatus for manufacturing core-shell catalyst
Publication Date: 2023.05.23 KOREA INST OF ENERGY RES
  • US11658307B2 patent drawing
  • US11658307B2 patent drawing
  • US11658307B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a core-shell catalyst, and more particularly, to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a core-shell catalyst, in which a particle in the form of a core-shell in which the metal nanoparticle is coated with platinum is manufactured by substituting copper and platinum through a method of manufacturing a metal nanoparticle by emitting a laser beam to a metal ingot, and providing a particular electric potential value, and as a result, it is possible to continuously produce nanoscale uniform core-shell catalysts in large quantities.