Light Upconversion Microcapsules for NIR Photocatalysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing photocatalytic systems are limited by the inefficiency of using near-infrared (NIR) light for single electron transfer due to the insufficient energy provided, and the low penetration of ultraviolet and visible light in reaction media, which restricts the utilization of solar radiation for photocatalytic conversion.

Innovation Solution

Development of light upconversion microcapsules containing molecular sensitizers and annihilators encapsulated in transparent shells, which convert NIR light to visible light through triplet fusion, enabling photocatalysts to reach a redox-active excited state for effective single electron transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If near-infrared light is used for photocatalytic reactions, then solar radiation utilization is improved, but energy insufficiency for single electron transfer occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolar radiation utilizationVSAvoidenergy for single electron transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an upconversion agent as an intermediary substance that absorbs near-infrared light and converts it to visible light with higher energy. This mediator enables the transfer of energy from low-energy NIR photons to high-energy visible light, resolving the contradiction between utilizing solar radiation and providing sufficient energy for photocatalytic reactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the energy parameter of light by using upconversion agents to transform near-infrared light (lower energy) into visible light (higher energy). This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain both high solar radiation utilization and sufficient energy for single electron transfer processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If ultraviolet and visible light are used for photocatalytic reactions, then sufficient energy for single electron transfer is provided, but penetration through reaction media is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy for single electron transferVSAvoidlight penetration through reaction media

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light by converting near-infrared light to visible light through upconversion. The resulting visible light has better penetration properties through reaction media while maintaining sufficient energy for single electron transfer, thus resolving the contradiction between energy availability and light penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If near-infrared light is used, then penetration through reaction media is improved, but energy insufficiency limits photocatalytic conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight penetration through reaction mediaVSAvoidenergy for photocatalytic conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The upconversion agent acts as a mediator that first absorbs penetrating near-infrared light and then converts it to visible light. This intermediary process allows the system to benefit from both the good penetration of NIR light and the sufficient energy of visible light for photocatalytic conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter change by transforming the energy wavelength of light from near-infrared to visible through upconversion agents. This enables the light to maintain good penetration while providing sufficient energy for photocatalytic reactions to occur effectively.

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

Enhances the utilization of NIR solar radiation for photocatalytic reactions by generating visible light, thereby increasing the energy available for chemical and electrical energy conversion and improving the efficacy of photocatalytic processes.

Implementation Method 1

convert NIR light to visible light through triplet fusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriplet fusion:

Implementation Method 2

The photocatalyst can carry out this electron transfer when in an excited state caused by absorption of a photon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoexcitation:

Data Source

PatentUS12357978B2Light upconversion microcapsules

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A composition, method, and article of manufacture are disclosed. The composition is a microcapsule that includes a transparent shell encapsulating a mixture comprising light upconversion molecules. The method is a method of forming a microcapsule, which includes obtaining light upconversion molecules, forming an emulsion of the light upconversion molecules and a shell formation solution, and encapsulating the light upconversion molecules in a transparent shell. The article of manufacture comprises the microcapsule.