Halide Phosphor Surface Stabilization via Fluorine Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Phosphors and other light emitting inorganic materials containing halide atoms are susceptible to degradation under high temperature and high humidity conditions, leading to reduced efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A process involving contacting luminescent halogen-containing materials with a halogen-containing oxidizing agent, such as fluorine gas, at specific temperatures and times to enhance their stability and maintain photoluminescent properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If luminescent halogen-containing materials are used in high temperature and high humidity conditions, then they can operate in demanding environments, but they suffer from degradation and reduced efficacy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating temperature rangeVSAvoidmaterial stability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by treating the luminescent halogen-containing materials with a halogen-containing oxidizing agent before the materials are deployed in high temperature and humidity environments. This pre-treatment stabilizes the materials' surfaces, creating a protective effect that prevents degradation when the materials are later exposed to demanding environmental conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between operational capability and long-term stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If luminescent halogen-containing materials are exposed to high humidity conditions, then they can be used in various applications, but they experience degradation and reduced efficacy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication rangeVSAvoidmaterial stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by treating the luminescent halogen-containing materials with a halogen-containing oxidizing agent before the materials are deployed in high temperature and humidity environments. This pre-treatment stabilizes the materials' surfaces, creating a protective effect that prevents degradation when the materials are later exposed to demanding environmental conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between operational capability and long-term stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the materials are treated with halogen-containing oxidizing agent for extended periods, then stability is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial stabilityVSAvoidtreatment duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the treatment conditions - using specific concentrations of halogen-containing oxidizing agents, controlling temperature ranges, and establishing minimum treatment durations (at least two hours). These parameter optimizations ensure adequate stabilization of the materials while minimizing unnecessary extended processing time, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving sufficient stability improvement and maintaining efficient processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 process improves the stability and maintains the photoluminescent properties of the materials, effectively addressing degradation issues and ensuring their performance in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the luminescent halogen-containing material with an atmosphere comprising a halogen-containing oxidizing agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS10174248B2Process for improved halide materials
Publication Date: 2019.01.08 GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A process for treating a luminescent halogen-containing material includes contacting the luminescent halogen-containing material with an atmosphere comprising a halogen-containing oxidizing agent for a period of at least about two hours. The luminescent halogen-containing material has a composition other than(i) Ax[MFy]:Mn4+, where A is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, or a combination thereof; M is Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr, Al, Ga, In, Sc, Y, La, Nb, Ta, Bi, Gd, or a combination thereof; x is the absolute value of the charge of the [MFy] ion; and y is 5, 6 or 7;(ii) Zn2[MF7]:Mn4+, where M is selected from Al, Ga, In, and combinations thereof;(iii) E[MF6]:Mn4+, where E is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, and combinations thereof; and where M is selected from Ge, Si, Sn, Ti, Zr, and combinations thereof; or(iv) Ba0.65Zr0.35F2.70:Mn4+.