Luminescent Composite Material Using Ethanolamine Surfactant

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current luminescent materials for photovoltaic modules face challenges in achieving high luminescence efficiency, stability, and chemical compatibility, with complex manufacturing processes and limited spectral response in the near-infrared range.

Innovation Solution

A luminescent composite material is developed by mixing a polymer, an ethanolamine surfactant, and undoped carbon semiconductor particles, which enhances luminescence efficiency and stability, allowing emission across a wider range of wavelengths from ultraviolet to near-infrared, and improves chemical compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex morphology particles with semiconductor shells and metal coatings are used to enhance luminescent properties, then luminescence efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminescence efficiencyVSAvoidparticle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex semiconductor shell and metal coating layers from the particle structure, retaining only the essential carbon nanoparticle core. This simplification maintains luminescent functionality while removing unnecessary structural complexity, directly resolving the contradiction between luminescence efficiency and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex semiconductor and metal materials with simpler, more cost-effective carbon-based nanoparticles. This substitution achieves comparable or superior luminescent properties using readily available materials, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If grafting of passivating agents onto carbon nanoparticle surfaces is performed to achieve luminescence, then luminescent properties are obtained, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminescent propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs carbon nanoparticles that possess inherent luminescent properties without requiring additional grafting or surface modification steps. The nanoparticles self-organize and function autonomously within the polymer matrix, eliminating the need for complex passivating agent grafting procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses undoped, homogeneous carbon nanoparticles with consistent luminescent properties throughout the material. This uniformity eliminates the need for complex surface grafting to achieve homogeneous luminescence, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliable luminescent performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Adaptability or versatility

If luminescent particles are integrated into polymer matrices for photovoltaic applications, then spectral conversion is achieved, but chemical compatibility and long-term stability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral conversion capabilityVSAvoidchemical compatibility and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material system where carbon nanoparticles are embedded within a polymer matrix, leveraging the complementary properties of both components. The carbon nanoparticles provide luminescent functionality while the polymer matrix provides structural stability and chemical compatibility, achieving both spectral conversion and long-term stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the chemically inert nature of carbon nanoparticles within the polymer matrix, creating a stable environment that prevents degradation reactions. The carbon nanoparticles do not react with polymerization residues or undergo degradation themselves, ensuring long-term chemical compatibility and stability in the photovoltaic application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 composite material exhibits increased luminescence intensity and stability, emitting radiation in a broader spectral range, including the visible and near-infrared, with improved chemical compatibility and simplified manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

Luminescence corresponds to the emission of light in a rapid manner (fluorescence) or more slowly (phosphorescence) following the absorption of photons by a luminescent particle that has been previously excited

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a surfactant chosen from the family of amino alcohols, in particular ethanolamines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP4386064A1Luminescent composite material
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 NOVACIUM
  • EP4386064A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4386064A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4386064A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a luminescent composite material, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - mixing (100): • a polymer, • a surfactant chosen from the family of ethanolamines, • carbon semiconductor particles - in particular undoped - whose dimensions are between 1 and 200 nanometers, preferably between 1 and 20 nanometers, and • a hardener, - allowing the mixture obtained to harden (200) to form the luminescent composite material.