Graphite Oxide Infrared Reduction to Graphene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for converting graphite oxide to graphene are limited by the quality of the precursor and require reducing agents, which can lead to contamination and the generation of noxious by-products, and are not efficient when using infrared irradiation.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising graphite oxide and an infrared absorbing compound that is reduced to graphene or graphene-like structures using visible and/or infrared light, eliminating the need for reducing agents and by-products, and is cost-effective and environmentally favorable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical reducing agents (e.g., hydrazine hydrate) are used to convert graphite oxide to graphene, then the reduction efficiency is improved, but contamination and noxious by-products are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction efficiencyVSAvoidcontamination and noxious by-products

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical reduction methods with physical infrared irradiation. Instead of using chemical reducing agents like hydrazine hydrate, the invention employs infrared light to directly convert graphite oxide to graphene, eliminating chemical contamination and noxious by-products while maintaining high reduction efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the reduction process from chemical reaction to photothermal conversion. By adjusting infrared irradiation parameters (wavelength, power, duration), the process achieves effective reduction without introducing harmful chemicals, transforming the reduction mechanism from chemical to physical

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If infrared irradiation is applied to graphite oxide solutions, then low-cost laser usage is enabled, but the conversion to graphene is prevented due to strong water absorption and weak graphite oxide absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidconversion efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where infrared-absorbing groups on the graphite oxide surface act as mediators. These groups absorb infrared radiation and convert it to heat, which then drives the reduction of graphite oxide to graphene. This intermediary approach enables efficient energy transfer from infrared light to the graphite oxide structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the optical parameters of graphite oxide by introducing infrared-absorbing functional groups. This changes the absorption spectrum of graphite oxide to match infrared laser wavelengths, enabling resonant absorption and efficient photothermal conversion that overcomes the previous mismatch between water and graphite oxide absorption characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional reduction methods are used, then graphene quality is improved, but the process complexity and reducing agent requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphene qualityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the graphite oxide to self-reduce through infrared irradiation without requiring external reducing agents. The infrared-absorbing groups on the graphite oxide surface generate localized heat that drives the self-reduction process, eliminating the need for additional chemicals and simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining high graphene quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 efficient formation of high-quality, chemically inert, strong, and electrical conductive graphene or graphene-like structures with low power consumption and without contamination, using infrared absorbing compounds to convert graphite oxide into hydrophobic forms under infrared irradiation.

Implementation Method 1

a composition comprising graphite oxide and an infrared absorbing compound that is reduced to graphene or graphene-like structures using visible and/or infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

using infrared absorbing compounds to convert graphite oxide into hydrophobic forms under infrared irradiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotothermal conversion:

Implementation Method 3

graphite oxide capable of switching form a hydrophilic state into a hydrophobic state upon exposure to heat and/or light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReduction reaction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentEP3325405B1A composition comprising graphite oxide and an infrared absorbing compound and a method of making graphene thereof

Publication Date: 2019.10.30 AGFA NV

AI summary

According to the present invention a composition capable of switching from a hydrophilic state into a hydrophobic state upon exposure to heat and/or light comprising graphite oxide and an infrared absorbing compound is disclosed.