Graphitic Nanocomposites With Sol-Gel Matrices to Prevent Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in incorporating graphitic nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes and graphene into solid state matrices without aggregation, which limits their concentration and effectiveness in applications such as EM shielding and antenna devices, due to incompatibility with polymers and the loss of quantum yield in solid matrices.
Innovation Solution
Functionalizing graphitic nanomaterials with moieties similar to the solid state matrix building blocks, such as alkoxysilane or metal oxide precursors, and mixing them with sol-gel chemicals to form a homogeneous nanocomposite through in situ curing, which prevents aggregation and enhances EM properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If graphitic nanomaterials are incorporated into solid state matrices, then EM properties are enhanced, but aggregation occurs reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sol-gel chemicals as intermediary substances that mediate between graphitic nanomaterials and solid state matrices. The sol-gel process creates a transitional state where nanomaterials can be uniformly distributed before final matrix formation, preventing aggregation while maintaining EM properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the matrix formation process by using sol-gel chemistry. This involves controlling pH, temperature, and reaction conditions during sol-gel transformation to maintain nanomaterial dispersion and prevent aggregation while achieving desired EM properties.
2Reliability
If concentration of graphitic nanomaterials is increased, then EM shielding effectiveness improves, but aggregation increases reducing quantum yield
Solution Approach 1:
Sol-gel chemicals serve as intermediaries that enable high concentration incorporation of graphitic nanomaterials without aggregation. The sol-gel network forms around individual nanomaterials, maintaining their quantum properties even at high concentrations needed for effective EM shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining graphitic nanomaterials with sol-gel derived matrices. This composite structure allows high nanomaterial concentration while the sol-gel network prevents aggregation, preserving quantum yield and enhancing EM shielding effectiveness.
3Ease of manufacture
If graphitic nanomaterials are mixed with polymers, then composite formation is simple, but incompatibility causes aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sol-gel chemicals as intermediaries between graphitic nanomaterials and polymer matrices. The sol-gel process creates a compatible interface that resolves incompatibility issues, allowing simple composite formation without aggregation while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of matrix formation by using sol-gel chemistry instead of direct polymer mixing. This parameter change creates a compatible system where nanomaterials and polymer matrix coexist without aggregation, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 allows for higher concentrations of graphitic nanomaterials to be integrated into solid state matrices without aggregation, maintaining their unique EM properties and enhancing mechanical stability and durability, while enabling the creation of advanced EM shielding and antenna devices without metal components.
Implementation Method 1
functionalizing the graphitic nanomaterials with a moiety similar to the building blocks of the solid state matrices... by covalent bonding
Implementation Method 2
The in situ formation of the sol-gel solid state matrices during curing entraps and/or covalently links with the graphitic nanomaterials
Implementation Method 3
highly conductive composite through tight networks of interwoven carbon nanotube bundles... conductivities as high as 1600 S/cm... EM attenuation/amplification properties
Data Source
AI summary
A composition and method for fabricating graphitic nanocomposites in solid state matrices is presented. The process for fabricating graphitic nanocomposites in solid state matrices may include selecting one or a mixture of specific graphitic nanomaterials. The graphitic nanomaterial(s) may be functionalizing with a moiety similar to the building blocks of the solid state matrices. The functionalized graphitic nanomaterials are mixed with the building blocks of the solid state matrices. The mixture may be cured, which causes in situ formation of the sol-gel solid state matrices that entraps and/or covalently links with the graphitic nanomaterials during the network growing process. This process allows the nanomaterials to be introduced into the matrices homogeneously without forming large aggregations.