Micro-Plasma Porous Material Synthesis Without Organic Solvents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synthesis methods for porous materials like Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) and Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are complex, time-consuming, energy-intensive, and require harmful organic solvents, making them costly and environmentally unfriendly.
Innovation Solution
A micro-plasma process is used to synthesize porous materials without organic solvents, employing a micro-plasma system with an anode and cathode in a reaction solution, applying current to form porous materials within 0.5 to 24 hours using amine and aldehyde precursors and an electrolyte.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional synthesis methods are used for porous materials, then the materials can be produced with desired properties, but the process becomes complex, time-consuming, and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal and mechanical synthesis methods with a plasma-based chemical process. The plasma reactor uses electromagnetic fields to generate reactive species that drive condensation reactions between precursors, eliminating the need for complex heating systems, pressure controls, and multi-step procedures required in traditional solvothermal or microwave synthesis methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention fundamentally changes the reaction parameters from thermal (temperature, pressure) to plasma-based parameters (power density, gas flow rate, residence time). By controlling plasma power (0.1-100 W) and gas flow rates, the synthesis can be optimized for different porous material types, achieving high productivity with simplified process control compared to conventional methods.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional synthesis methods are used for porous materials, then the materials can be produced, but harmful organic solvents are required as crosslinking agents or reaction media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of requiring organic solvents into a benefit by using plasma-generated reactive species to drive condensation reactions in solvent-free conditions. The plasma process activates precursor molecules directly, eliminating the need for toxic organic solvents while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple gas-phase or liquid-phase reaction conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces plasma as an intermediary that mediates the reaction between precursors without requiring organic solvents. The plasma generates reactive intermediates (radicals, ions, excited states) that facilitate condensation reactions, replacing the traditional role of organic solvents as reaction media and crosslinking agents.
3Productivity
If conventional synthesis methods are used for porous materials, then the materials can be produced, but the process is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive thermal and mechanical processes with plasma-based chemical reactions. The plasma process uses electromagnetic energy to generate reactive species that drive condensation reactions efficiently, reducing the overall energy consumption and production costs compared to conventional solvothermal, microwave, or high-pressure synthesis methods.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from thermal to plasma-based parameters, the invention achieves higher reaction efficiency and productivity. The plasma process operates at lower power densities (0.1-100 W) compared to conventional methods, reducing energy costs while maintaining or improving production efficiency through faster reaction rates and simplified process steps.
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 method produces porous materials efficiently and selectively, with high surface area for rapid pollutant adsorption and drug delivery, offering a green and sustainable synthesis with high yield and customizable structures for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
applying a current to the micro-plasma system for a duration of 0.5 to 24 hours, thereby forming a porous material in the reaction solution
Implementation Method 2
a micro-plasma system comprising: an anode; a cathode, and a reaction solution; wherein the anode is at least partially immersed in the reaction solution
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is related to a production method of porous materials comprising steps of: providing a micro-plasma system, which includes an anode, a cathode, and a reaction solution. The said anode is at least partially immersed in the reaction solution, while the cathode is a tube with its opening positioned near and above the reaction solution with a gas introducing to the opening. After applying a current to the micro-plasma system, a micro-plasma reaction occurs, resulting in the formation of a porous material in the reaction solution. The aforementioned reaction solution contains an amine precursor, an aldehyde precursor, and an electrolyte, and especially does not include any toxic or volatile organic solvents. The present invention presents a novel method for producing porous materials with simple and rapid steps without the need for volatile or toxic organic solvents, making the process more environmental friendly, cost-effective and high yielding rate.