Gold and Silver Nanoparticle Diffusion for Uniform Light Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for incorporating nanoparticles into transparent materials for broad-spectrum light absorption are limited in terms of monodispersity and uniformity, leading to inefficiencies in light absorption characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a sol-gel solution with controlled monodispersity of gold and/or silver nanoparticles, using multiple ligands and precise reaction conditions to embed these nanoparticles into transparent materials, ensuring uniform size and shape, thereby enhancing light absorption across UV and visible spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If nanoparticles are incorporated into transparent materials using conventional methods, then light absorption capability is improved, but monodispersity and uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs systematic parameter changes in the sol-gel process including controlling pH levels, reaction temperatures, precursor concentrations, and aging conditions to achieve precise control over nanoparticle size and distribution. This allows simultaneous optimization of light absorption properties and monodispersity by tuning chemical parameters during synthesis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition mechanisms in the sol-gel process, particularly the transition from sol to gel state, to control nanoparticle formation and embedding. By controlling the gelation process and subsequent drying/calcination phases, uniform nanoparticle distribution within the transparent matrix is achieved while maintaining desired size characteristics for optimal light absorption
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional nanoparticle incorporation methods are used, then light absorption is enhanced, but material homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-forming uniform nanoparticles with controlled size and surface properties before incorporating them into the transparent material matrix. The sol-gel process prepares the nanoparticle precursors and controlling agents in advance, ensuring uniform nucleation and growth conditions that lead to homogeneous material composition with consistent light absorption characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sol-gel chemistry as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates uniform nanoparticle formation and embedding. The gel network acts as a mediator that distributes nanoparticle precursors uniformly throughout the matrix during formation, preventing aggregation and ensuring homogeneous composition with consistent optical properties
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 method achieves a transparent material with improved light absorption properties, effectively reducing harmful exposure to UV and visible light by embedding nanoparticles with controlled monodispersity, ensuring uniform size and shape, thus enhancing the material's light absorption capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
gold and/or silver nanoparticles in a sol-gel, or diffusing gold and/or silver nanoparticles and/or ions into a transparent material, with one or more types of ligands bound to the nanoparticles and ions, to absorb UV and visible light over a broad range of wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
stirring the solution phase of the sol-gel together with a liquid comprising a reducing agent until the growth of nanoparticles formed from the ions of the group 11 transition metal reduced by the reducing agent substantially ceases
Implementation Method 3
diffusing gold and/or silver nanoparticles and/or ions into a transparent material
Data Source
AI summary
A method of diffusing one or more of gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, gold ions, and silver ions, into a solid transparent material, causing it to absorb at least some wavelengths of visible light, UV light, or both, the method comprising:(a) providing a first volume of organic solvent with one or more of gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, gold ions and silver ions, blocked with one or more ligands, suspended in the organic solvent;(b) adding a quantity of the volume of organic solvent to a volume of water;(c) immersing the transparent material in the volume of water; and(d) heating the volume of water with the added organic solvent and the transparent material for a period of time, causing the one or more of gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, gold ions and silver ions to diffuse into the transparent material.