Fireproof Glass Unit with Quantum Dot Gel Matrix
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of technical solutions for glass units that combine fire resistance with the ability to absorb and convert electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the UV, VIS, and IR ranges, while ensuring high fire resistance and transparency.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to create a selective fireproof matrix modified with semiconductor nanoparticles, specifically CdSe/CdS quantum dots, dispersed in a gel matrix composed of sodium and potassium silicates, sorbitol, xylitol, and colloidal silica, which is filled into the chambers of glass units, providing fire resistance and electromagnetic wave conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass units are filled with conventional fireproof materials, then fire resistance is improved, but transparency and electromagnetic radiation conversion ability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of a gel matrix (water, glycerol, colloidal silica) combined with semiconductor quantum dots (CdSe/CdS nanoparticles). This composite provides both fire resistance from the gel matrix and electromagnetic radiation conversion with maintained transparency from the quantum dots, resolving the contradiction between fire resistance and transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fireproof layer by using a gel-based composition with specific ratios of water (50-70%), glycerol (5-20%), and colloidal silica (10-30%), along with quantum dots at controlled concentrations. This allows the material to maintain transparency while achieving fire resistance through parameter optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If quantum dots are added to the fireproof matrix, then electromagnetic radiation conversion ability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fireproof matrix and quantum dots into a single integrated gel composition that can be applied in one step. The quantum dots are dispersed directly into the gel matrix during preparation, combining the fireproofing and electromagnetic conversion functions into a single material system, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel matrix itself serves as the dispersion medium for quantum dots, eliminating the need for separate application processes. The composition is self-assembling during the gelation process, where quantum dots automatically disperse and stabilize within the gel network, reducing manual intervention and manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If semiconductor nanoparticles are dispersed in the gel matrix, then optoelectronic properties are maintained at high temperatures, but even dispersion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses colloidal silica particles as an intermediary medium that facilitates even dispersion of quantum dots within the gel matrix. The colloidal silica acts as a spacer and stabilizing agent, preventing quantum dot aggregation and ensuring uniform distribution throughout the fireproof layer, thereby maintaining optoelectronic properties at high temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of quantum dots (0.1-5 mg/L) and colloidal silica (10-30%) in the gel matrix to achieve even dispersion. By carefully controlling these parameters during preparation, the system maintains stable quantum dot distribution that preserves optoelectronic properties even under high temperature conditions.
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 solution achieves high fire resistance and transparency in glass units by ensuring even dispersion of quantum dots, maintaining optoelectronic properties at high temperatures, and preventing toxic substance release during combustion, while being environmentally friendly and easy to dispose of.
Implementation Method 1
The smaller the diameter of particles, the emission spectrum shifts towards shorter wavelengths, and this phenomenon has been called the quantum size effect
Implementation Method 2
low-dimensional structures of semiconductors called quantum dots absorb electromagnetic radiation waves in a wide range, from UV to IR, as a result of which they emit waves of a strictly defined length
Implementation Method 3
which, in turn, are transferred to the edge of the system where the photovoltaic effect and electricity generation take place
Implementation Method 4
A commonly used multi-functional glass unit consists of at least two panes forming an inter-pane chamber or chambers filled with air or other gas. A single-chamber glass unit usually has an outer tempered pane and an inner pane with an emissive coating
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The subject of the invention is a method of obtaining a selective fireproof layer modified with semiconductor nanoparticles and filling with this active layer the chambers or chambers of an insulating glass unit and an insulating glass unit containing one or these layers, which consists in the fact that it is carried out in five successive technological stages, whereby in in the first stage, a glycerine dispersion of quantum dots is made at a concentration ranging from 20 mg / 1 to 50 mg / 1, in the second stage, a matrix for quantum dots (QDS) is prepared by homogenizing the mixture in the reactor by introducing into it successively: - 32.2 - 32.4% by weight of an aqueous sodium silicate solution, and - 32.2 - 32.4% by weight of an aqueous potassium silicate solution, and then in the third step to the thus obtained homogeneous mixture the following are added dropwise: - 0.75% by weight of sorbitol - 0.85% by weight of xylitol, and - 2 % - 3.00% by weight of glycerine dispersion of quantum dots and the whole is subjected to mixing, and then in the fourth step, 30.60% - 32.00% by weight of the aqueous solution of colloidal silica are introduced into this reactor and the whole is subjected to mixing and then cooling to obtain a liquid selective fireproof matrix modified with semiconductor nanoparticles, and then, in the fifth step, the matrix obtained in this way is filled in the chambers between panes of the glass unit and the entire system is subjected to a temperature of 60 ° - 70 °C for 6 - 8 hours, as a result of which the required transparency and fire resistance of the entire system, of each of these glass units, is obtained.