GaN Semiconductor Substrate for Water Vapor Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water collection devices require large-scale equipment to collect water molecules, making them inefficient for areas with limited resources, and they often consume excessive energy and resources for water purification.
Innovation Solution
A gallium nitride-containing semiconductor substrate with a crystal face inclined from 0.05° to 15° and featuring an irregular portion, which is superhydrophilic, allowing for efficient collection of water vapor from the air without the need for large-scale devices or excessive energy, converting it into liquid water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional water collection devices are used, then water molecules can be collected, but large-scale equipment is required and energy consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the semiconductor substrate by controlling crystal orientation (inclined at 0.05° to 15° from c-plane) and creating irregular portions, transforming the surface from hydrophobic to superhydrophilic. This parameter change enables efficient water vapor collection without requiring large-scale equipment, as the modified surface properties enhance water molecule attraction and condensation at the micro-scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The irregular portions created on the semiconductor substrate surface function as micro-scale porous structures that increase surface area and provide nucleation sites for water vapor condensation. These micro-irregularities enable efficient water collection by increasing the effective surface area for water molecule attachment while maintaining a compact device footprint.
2Reliability
If conventional water purification techniques are used, then water can be purified, but excessive energy and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The semiconductor substrate with modified surface properties performs water vapor collection and initial purification through its inherent superhydrophilic characteristics, without requiring external energy input for pumping or heating. The surface automatically attracts and condenses water vapor from the air, and the condensed water can be collected directly, eliminating the need for energy-intensive conventional purification processes.
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 device effectively collects water vapor, forming water droplets on the substrate, providing a reliable water source with reduced energy consumption and equipment size, suitable for regions with limited resources.
Implementation Method 1
the contact angle of pure water having a specific resistance of 18 MΩ·cm or more on a surface of the irregular portion is 10° or less
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a semiconductor substrate containing gallium nitride and having a crystal face inclined from 0.05° to 15° inclusive with respect to the c-plane. The semiconductor substrate includes an irregular portion on the crystal face, and the contact angle of pure water having a specific resistance of 18 MΩ·cm or more on the surface of the irregular portion is 10° or less.