Inorganic structure body, device, and method for manufacturing inorganic structure body
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming nanostructures using organic pigment whiskers on substrates result in low utilization ratios of deposited elements due to interface issues and require specialized pigments, limiting their widespread application.
Innovation Solution
A new inorganic structure body is created by forming metal or inorganic materials on a nonwoven fabric or porous membrane substrate and then removing the substrate, resulting in a free-standing structure with a three-dimensionally continuous configuration, eliminating substrate-nanoparticle interfaces and improving catalyst utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If organic pigment whiskers are formed on substrate surface by thermal vacuum vapor deposition, then nanostructure can be produced, but the method requires specialized pigments and has low utilization ratio of deposited element due to interface issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the substrate from the final structure. By forming the inorganic material layer on the substrate first, then removing the substrate, the invention eliminates the interface between substrate and deposited material, thereby improving the utilization ratio of the deposited element while maintaining the ability to produce precise nanostructures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by first forming the inorganic material layer on the substrate and then removing the substrate, rather than trying to form stable whisker structures directly on the substrate. This inversion allows the deposited material to become the primary structure without being constrained by substrate interfaces.
2Shape
If interfaces exist between whiskers and deposited material, then nanostructure can be formed, but the ratio of utilization of deposited element becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is extracted and removed from the structure after the inorganic material layer is formed. This eliminates the interfaces between substrate and deposited material that would otherwise reduce the utilization ratio of the deposited element, while the whisker-like nanostructure is preserved through the free-standing inorganic framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves as a temporary, disposable support during the formation process. It is removed after serving its purpose of supporting the deposition process, leaving only the inorganic material structure without any substrate interfaces that would reduce material utilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If substrate is used to support inorganic material, then structure stability is maintained, but recovery and cleaning steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is completely removed from the final structure, eliminating the need for recovery and cleaning steps. The inorganic material forms a free-standing structure that maintains stability without requiring the substrate to be retained, thereby simplifying the production process and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic material layer develops self-supporting capabilities through its own structural framework. Once deposited, it forms a free-standing structure that maintains its own stability without requiring the substrate for support, thereby eliminating the need for substrate recovery and cleaning operations.
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
This approach enhances the utilization ratio of catalyst metals and simplifies production by eliminating the need for recovery and cleaning steps, allowing for easier handling and increased specific surface area, thus improving catalytic activity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
when a metal and/or an inorganic material is physically vapor deposited on a surface of a polymeric substrate, numerous nuclei of nanoparticles are formed on the surface of the substrate, and the particles grow
Implementation Method 2
In the removing step, all or a portion of the substrate is removed
Data Source
AI summary
An inorganic structure body has a free-standing structure including a fibrous member and/or a shell. The fibrous member and/or the shell include a metal and/or an inorganic material and have a three-dimensionally continuous configuration. The free-standing structure may have a structure that is based on a nonwoven fabric or a porous membrane used as a substrate.