Core-Shell Nanoparticle Synthesis via Reverse Micelles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermoelectric materials have limited conversion efficiency due to interrelated parameters such as Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity, making it difficult to improve thermoelectric conversion efficiency while maintaining desired particle size and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing nanostructured thermoelectric composites.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the formation of thermoelectric nanoparticles with a core and shell structure using reverse micelles, where a metal cation is added in the presence of a reducing agent, followed by washing with a solvent mixture of ammonium hydroxide, water, and methanol to maintain particle size and prevent agglomeration, resulting in composite nanoparticles suitable for forming nanocomposite materials with enhanced thermoelectric properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nanostructured materials are used to improve thermoelectric conversion efficiency, then conversion efficiency increases, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reverse micelles as intermediary structures during synthesis. These micellar templates guide the formation of core-shell nanoparticles with controlled sizes and compositions, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to direct nanostructuring methods while maintaining the desired nanoscale properties for high conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls key synthesis parameters such as micelle composition, metal cation concentration, and reducing agent conditions to produce nanoparticles with specific size ranges and compositions. By optimizing these parameters, the method achieves scalable manufacturing of nanostructured materials with consistent thermoelectric performance.
2Reliability
If particle size is reduced to enhance thermoelectric properties, then thermoelectric conversion efficiency improves, but particle agglomeration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Reverse micelles serve as stabilizing intermediaries during nanoparticle formation and processing. The micellar structures prevent direct contact and aggregation of nanoparticles while maintaining their small sizes, allowing the particles to be processed and assembled into composite materials without agglomeration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite materials by assembling stabilized nanoparticles into larger structured composites. This hierarchical structure maintains the beneficial small particle size for high surface area and quantum effects while organizing particles into stable composite forms that resist agglomeration during processing.
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 process effectively increases thermoelectric conversion efficiency by maintaining the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity while lowering thermal conductivity, and ensures cost-efficient, scalable production of thermoelectric nanostructured materials with desired particle sizes.
Implementation Method 1
adding at least one shell material having a metal cation to the core material reverse micelle or micelle in the presence of a reducing agent that alloys with the metal cation
Implementation Method 2
washing the core and shell nanoparticles in a solvent mixture including ammonium hydroxide, water and methanol wherein the core and shell nanoparticles remain un-agglomerated
Implementation Method 3
Thermoelectric materials and devices may be utilized to obtain electrical energy from a thermal gradient
Data Source
AI summary
A process for forming thermoelectric nanoparticles includes the steps of forming a core material reverse micelle or micelle, adding a bismuth containing compound to the core material reverse micelle or micelle forming a reverse micelle or micelle having the bismuth containing compound dispersed therein, adding a tellurium containing compound with the formed micelle or reverse micelle in the presence of a reducing agent that alloys with the bismuth containing compound forming composite thermoelectric nanoparticles having a core and shell structure, and washing the core and shell nanoparticles in a solvent mixture including ammonium hydroxide, water and methanol wherein the core and shell nanoparticles remain un-agglomerated and have a particle size of from 1-25 nanometers.