CVD Silicon Particles for Therapeutic Hydrogen Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for administering hydrogen gas in therapy face challenges such as the risk of explosions during inhalation and low solubility in water, limiting its therapeutic effectiveness, particularly in generating sufficient hydrogen for medical applications.

Innovation Solution

Silicon particles produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are used to generate hydrogen, offering higher efficiency and faster hydrogen production compared to particles produced by milling processes, particularly around neutral and physiological pH values, with CVD particles exhibiting a more potent hydrogen-forming ability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hydrogen gas is administered by inhalation, then hydrogen can be delivered to patients, but the risk of explosions increases due to hydrogen's explosive nature when mixed with oxygen or air

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen administrationVSAvoidexplosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses silicon particles as an intermediary substance that reacts with water to generate hydrogen in situ within the body. This mediator approach eliminates the need to handle and administer gaseous hydrogen directly, thereby avoiding explosion risks while still delivering hydrogen's therapeutic benefits through controlled chemical reaction inside the patient's system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical administration of gaseous hydrogen (inhalation devices, gas delivery systems) with a chemical system where silicon particles react with body fluids to generate hydrogen. This substitution transforms a mechanical gas delivery problem into a controlled chemical reaction, eliminating safety hazards associated with handling explosive gases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If hydrogen is administered by oral administration or injection of hydrogen comprising water, then hydrogen can be delivered to patients, but the solubility of hydrogen in water is very low limiting therapeutic effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen administrationVSAvoidhydrogen solubility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having silicon particles pre-loaded and administered in advance, which then react with water in the body to continuously generate hydrogen. This preliminary preparation of hydrogen-generating material ensures sustained hydrogen production over time, overcoming the limitation of low instantaneous solubility of hydrogen in water.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of hydrogen delivery from direct dissolution in water (low solubility) to in situ chemical generation through silicon-water reaction. This parameter change transforms the delivery mechanism from passive dissolution to active continuous generation, significantly increasing the effective quantity of hydrogen available therapeutically.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If milled silicon particles are used for hydrogen generation, then hydrogen can be produced, but the hydrogen yield is low compared to CVD-produced particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen yieldVSAvoidparticle production method

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the manufacturing parameter of silicon particles from mechanical milling to chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This parameter change fundamentally alters the particle structure, surface properties, and reactivity, resulting in dramatically increased hydrogen generation capability while maintaining ease of manufacture through established CVD industrial processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs CVD-produced silicon particles that possess composite characteristics with optimized surface properties and internal structure. These particles exhibit enhanced reactivity and hydrogen generation efficiency compared to conventionally milled particles, achieving superior performance through advanced material synthesis that combines structural integrity with high chemical reactivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

CVD-produced silicon particles generate significantly more hydrogen than milled particles, achieving yields of up to 57% hydrogen per gram at pH 9.0 within 15 hours and 12.6% at pH 7.4 within 300 minutes, making them more suitable for therapeutic applications.

Implementation Method 1

Elemental silicon particles generate hydrogen in a redox process where silicon is oxidized and hydrogen in water is reduced as shown below: Si+2H2O→SiO2+2H2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions