Modified Bentonite with Multi-Ion Intercalation for Synergistic Biocidal Activity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modifying bentonite to enhance biostatic and biocidal properties primarily involve mixing separate powders of bentonite grains intercalated with single types of metal ions, lacking a synergistic effect from combined metal ions in a single grain, which limits the effectiveness and efficiency of biocidal activity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the intercalation of activated bentonite grains with multiple metal ions, such as silver, copper, zinc, and other divalent metal ions, within a single grain, achieved by mixing bentonite with aqueous solutions of their nitrates, resulting in a modified bentonite with enhanced biocidal and biostatic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate powders of bentonite grains intercalated with single types of metal ions are mixed, then the biocidal activity is achieved, but the synergistic effect from combined metal ions in a single grain is lost, limiting effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple metal ions (silver, copper, zinc, and other divalent metal ions) within a single bentonite grain through a one-step intercalation process. This merging of multiple metal ions into individual grains creates a synergistic effect that enhances biocidal activity compared to mixing separate single-ion bentonite powders, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving biocidal activity and maximizing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material where multiple metal ions are simultaneously intercalated within the bentonite grain structure. This composite approach allows the bentonite to exhibit enhanced biocidal properties through the combined actions of different metal ions (silver ions providing bactericidal activity, copper ions providing fungicidal activity, and zinc ions providing biostatic effects), thereby improving effectiveness while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple metal ions are intercalated into bentonite grains, then synergistic effect and biocidal activity are enhanced, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bentonite processing into distinct stages: first activating the bentonite with sodium ions, then performing a single intercalation step with multiple metal ions simultaneously. This segmentation allows complex multi-ion intercalation to be achieved through a systematic, stepwise process that manages manufacturing complexity while enhancing biocidal activity through synergistic metal ion combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the intercalation process, specifically controlling pH, temperature, and metal ion concentrations to achieve simultaneous intercalation of multiple ions. By optimizing these parameters, the process achieves enhanced biocidal activity through multi-ion intercalation without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as the same process conditions apply to all metal ions involved.
3Reliability
If activated bentonite is mixed with aqueous solutions of metal nitrates, then multiple metal ions are intercalated into a single grain, but the mixing time and process duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary activation of bentonite with sodium ions before the multi-ion intercalation step. This preliminary action prepares the bentonite structure to readily accept multiple metal ions simultaneously, reducing the overall mixing time required. The activated bentonite serves as a pre-conditioned substrate that facilitates faster and more efficient multi-ion intercalation, thereby minimizing time loss while achieving enhanced biocidal activity.
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 modified bentonite exhibits a several-fold increase in biocidal activity and improved biostatic effects against pathogens, demonstrating a synergistic effect from the combination of metal ions in a single grain, enhancing its antimicrobial properties.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the ease of ion exchange in activated bentonite, other ions can be introduced in place of sodium ions, and this process is called intercalation and leads to the obtaining of modified, i.e. intercalated with a selected ion, bentonite.
Implementation Method 2
this process is called intercalation and leads to the obtaining of modified, i.e. intercalated with a selected ion, bentonite
Implementation Method 3
The modified bentonite exhibits a several-fold increase in biocidal activity and improved biostatic effects against pathogens, demonstrating a synergistic effect from the combination of metal ions in a single grain
Data Source
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AI summary
A modified bentonite of biostatic and biocidal properties, the modified bentonite comprising intercalated bentonite grains, wherein each of the intercalated bentonite grains is intercalated with at least two different metal ions selected from the group consisting of silver ions (Ag+) and dipositive metal ions (Me2+).