Two-Dimensionally Crosslinked Graphene Enclosure for Sub-Zepto Liter Materials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack effective methods for reliably and permanently enclosing and protecting materials, particularly small quantities like liquids and biological samples, while maintaining stability and unique properties such as impermeability and conductivity.

Innovation Solution

The use of two-dimensionally crosslinked layers, preferably graphene or graphene-like layers, which are thin, stable, and atomically smooth, to enclose materials on a carrier, providing impermeability to gases and liquids and allowing for mechanical, electrical, or optical functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional three-dimensional crystal layers are used to enclose materials, then stability and impermeability are achieved, but the layers become thick and lose flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenclosure stabilityVSAvoidlayer thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional crystal structures to two-dimensionally crosslinked crystal layers. This dimensional reduction enables the formation of extremely thin enclosures (sub-zeptoliter scale) while maintaining structural stability and impermeability, directly resolving the contradiction between thickness and enclosure reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If materials are enclosed in very small quantities (sub-zeptoliter range), then local fixation and simplified examination are achieved, but reliable and permanent enclosure becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenclosed material amountVSAvoidenclosure permanence

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs two-dimensionally crosslinked crystal layers that form flexible yet impermeable thin films capable of enclosing extremely small material quantities. These 2D crosslinked structures provide the necessary mechanical flexibility to conform to sub-zeptoliter volumes while maintaining permanent and reliable enclosure, solving the contradiction between small quantity handling and enclosure reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Length of stationary object

If two-dimensionally crosslinked layers are used, then thinness and flexibility are achieved, but impermeability to gases and liquids must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer thicknessVSAvoidgas and liquid permeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes two-dimensionally crosslinked crystal layers with specific crosslinking densities and structural configurations that create composite-like barriers. The 2D crosslinked network structure provides both the thinness/flexibility needed for sub-zeptoliter enclosure and the impermeability required to block gas and liquid penetration, resolving the contradiction between layer thinness and barrier performance

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

Enables reliable and permanent enclosure of small amounts of materials, including biological samples, while maintaining their unique properties, and allows for manipulation and protection against external influences, with applications in sensors, pumps, and optical components.

Implementation Method 1

the layer is formed by a single two-dimensionally crosslinked layer or by a plurality of two-dimensionally crosslinked layers which are indirectly or directly connected to one another

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTwo-dimensional crosslinking:

Implementation Method 2

graphene is very ductile, up to at least 20% in all directions in the plane, and is impermeable even to particularly volatile materials, for example gaseous helium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGraphene impermeability: Graphene

Implementation Method 3

graphene is very pressure-resistant, and therefore escape of the enclosed material and/or damage to the graphene layer is reliably avoided even under high mechanical loading

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGraphene pressure resistance: Graphene

Implementation Method 4

can be optically transparent and at the same time have good electrical conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 5

The two-dimensionally crosslinked layer or the two-dimensionally crosslinked layers are preferably electrically conductive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGraphene conductivity: Graphene

Implementation Method 6

the two-dimensionally crosslinked layer or the two-dimensionally crosslinked layers are preferably impermeable to gases and liquids, are thinner than 10 atom layers and/or are atomically smooth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomic smoothness:

Data Source

PatentUS8895867B2Arrangement comprising a carrier and a layer

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 HUMBOLDT UNIVET ZU BERLIN

AI summary

The invention relates inter alia to an arrangement comprising a carrier (10), a layer and a material (20) enclosed between the carrier and the layer.According to the invention, it is provided that the layer is formed by a single two-dimensionally crosslinked layer (40) or by a plurality of two-dimensionally crosslinked layers which are indirectly or directly connected to one another.