Multi-component particles with inorganic nanoparticles in organic matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nanoparticles tend to agglomerate due to their high surface area and surface energy, making them difficult to handle, process, and disperse, and existing methods struggle to produce unagglomerated nanoparticles on a commercial scale.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-component particles comprising inorganic nanoparticles distributed in an organic matrix, where the nanoparticles are maintained in a dispersed state within the matrix, allowing for their controlled synthesis and dispersion, using processes such as generating aerosols and removing liquid vehicles to convert precursors into nanoparticles within the matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If nanoparticles are produced to increase surface area and surface energy for improved catalysis and other applications, then the nanoparticles tend to agglomerate, making them difficult to handle, process, and disperse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an organic matrix as an intermediary substance that surrounds and separates individual inorganic nanoparticles, preventing them from direct contact and subsequent agglomeration. This matrix acts as a mediator that maintains nanoparticle dispersion while allowing the particles to retain their high surface area properties for catalytic and other applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system consisting of inorganic nanoparticles embedded within an organic matrix. This composite structure combines the high surface area benefits of nanoparticles with the handling advantages of a cohesive composite material, resolving the contradiction between nanoparticle surface area and ease of operation.
2Area of moving object
If nanoparticles are produced to increase surface area and surface energy for improved catalysis and other applications, then the nanoparticles tend to agglomerate, making them difficult to disperse
Solution Approach 1:
The organic matrix serves as a stabilizing intermediary that physically separates nanoparticles and prevents agglomeration. By embedding individual nanoparticles within this matrix, the system maintains stable dispersion while preserving the high surface area characteristics necessary for catalytic activity and other functional applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of inorganic nanoparticles within an organic matrix provides inherent dispersion stability. The matrix material surrounds and isolates each nanoparticle, preventing them from aggregating while maintaining the overall structural integrity and compositional stability of the material system.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to produce nanoparticles, then it is difficult to produce unagglomerated nanoparticles on commercial scale
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates nanoparticles within the organic matrix during the matrix formation process itself, rather than attempting to disperse pre-formed nanoparticles afterward. This preliminary incorporation ensures uniform distribution and prevents agglomeration from the outset, enabling scalable production while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The process merges nanoparticle synthesis or incorporation with organic matrix formation into a single integrated operation. By combining these steps, the invention achieves both precise nanoparticle dispersion and commercial-scale productivity, as the matrix formation process naturally distributes nanoparticles uniformly throughout the material.
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 approach prevents agglomeration, enables efficient handling and processing, and allows for the production of nanoparticles with desired characteristics, such as improved solubility and stability, facilitating their use in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
generating aerosols and removing liquid vehicles to convert precursors into nanoparticles within the matrix
Implementation Method 2
removing liquid vehicles to convert precursors into nanoparticles within the matrix
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-component particles comprising inorganic nanoparticles distributed in an organic matrix and processes for making and using same. A flowing aerosol is generated that includes droplets of a precursor medium dispersed in a gas phase. The precursor medium contains a liquid vehicle and at least one precursor. At least a portion of the liquid vehicle is removed from the droplets of precursor medium under conditions effective to convert the precursor to the nanoparticles or the matrix and form the multi-component particles.