Multi-component Mesocrystalline Nanoparticles Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for manufacturing multi-component mesocrystalline nanoparticles are complex and require additional preparatory processes, making it difficult to achieve uniform shapes and multi-functional properties.

Innovation Solution

A simple method involving a mixture of an iron ion precursor, an anionic ligand, and a solvent reacting at 100 to 300°C, with injection of a metal ion precursor solution, allowing metal oxide nanocrystals to bind to acrylate groups on iron oxide surfaces, forming stable multi-component mesocrystalline nanoparticles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to manufacture multi-component mesocrystalline nanoparticles, then uniform shapes and multi-functional properties can be achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and requires additional preparatory processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform shapeVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple preparatory processes (particle preparation, metal ion precursor removal, surfactant removal, solvent replacement) into a single simplified synthesis process. The iron oxide nanoparticles are synthesized directly with controlled shapes using a one-pot method, eliminating the need for separate preparation steps while maintaining uniform morphology through optimized reaction conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates multi-functional nanoparticles by integrating multiple components (iron oxide for magnetism, metal oxides for catalysis, surfactants for stability) into a single particle system. This allows the nanoparticles to simultaneously exhibit magnetic properties, catalytic activity, and colloidal stability without requiring separate functionalization steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional preparatory processes are used to form nanocomposites, then multi-functional properties can be achieved, but the manufacturing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-functional propertyVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates metal ion precursors and surfactants into the initial synthesis mixture, allowing them to be integrated during the nanoparticle formation process itself. This preliminary incorporation eliminates the need for subsequent separate steps for metal ion removal and surfactant replacement, significantly reducing total manufacturing time while achieving the desired multi-functional composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous synthesis and functionalization in a single reaction system. The iron oxide nanoparticles form continuously while simultaneously incorporating metal oxide components and surfactant molecules, creating a continuous process that avoids interruption and reduces overall manufacturing time compared to sequential batch processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If metal ion precursor and surfactant removal processes are used, then pure nanocomposites can be obtained, but the process complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomposition purityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes synthesis parameters (temperature, pH, reaction time, precursor ratios) to control the formation and incorporation of metal ion precursors and surfactants during nanoparticle synthesis. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the desired composition and purity are achieved directly in the synthesis step, eliminating the need for complex post-synthesis purification processes.

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

This method enables the production of nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic and antioxidant properties, allowing for efficient contaminant decomposition in water and sensitive analyte detection, while simplifying the synthesis process and eliminating the need for solvent replacement.

Implementation Method 1

metal oxide nanocrystals bound to acrylate groups formed on an iron oxide surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

allowing a mixture including an iron ion precursor, an anionic ligand, and a solvent to react at 100 to 300°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal reaction: Heating

Implementation Method 3

allowing the above-described multi-component mesocrystalline nanoparticles and contaminated water to react under ultraviolet or visible light to decompose contaminants in the wastewater

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotocatalysis: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 4

recovering the multi-component mesocrystalline nanoparticles using a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3992992A1Multi-component mesocrystalline nanoparticles and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND
  • EP3992992A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3992992A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4e
  • EP3992992A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6b

AI summary

A multi-component mesocrystalline nanoparticle is provided. The multi-component mesocrystalline nanoparticle includes an iron oxide nanocluster; and metal oxide nanocrystals bound to a surface of the iron oxide.