Multiamine Ligand-Capped Nanoparticles for Uniform Photonic Inks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In photonic devices, scattering nanoparticles and quantum dot phosphor particles tend to aggregate in polymeric films, leading to non-uniform particle distribution, which affects the external quantum efficiency and emission properties by creating non-uniform light conversion and out-coupling.

Innovation Solution

Ligand-capped nanoparticles and curable ink compositions are used, where the nanoparticles have a surface-bound polyamine head group and polyalkylene oxide tail group, enhancing solubility and preventing aggregation, allowing for higher concentrations and uniform distribution of scattering nanoparticles and quantum dots in films.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If scattering nanoparticles and quantum dot phosphor particles are used in polymeric films, then light conversion and emission properties are improved, but particle aggregation occurs leading to non-uniform distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight conversion efficiencyVSAvoidparticle distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ligands with polyamine head groups and polyalkylene oxide tail groups as intermediary molecules. The polyamine head groups bind to nanoparticle surfaces while the polyalkylene oxide tail groups provide steric stabilization and solubility in the polymeric matrix, preventing aggregation and ensuring uniform distribution of particles throughout the film.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the surface chemistry parameters of nanoparticles by coating them with specific ligands having controlled molecular weights and compositions. This changes the interfacial properties between particles and the polymeric matrix, reducing aggregation tendencies while maintaining optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If higher concentrations of scattering nanoparticles and quantum dots are used, then emission properties are enhanced, but aggregation increases reducing uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenanoparticle concentrationVSAvoidparticle distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The ligands act as intermediary spacing molecules between nanoparticles, allowing higher concentrations to be achieved without direct particle-particle contact. The polyalkylene oxide chains extend into the matrix creating steric barriers that prevent aggregation even at elevated particle loadings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional ligands are used on nanoparticles, then basic stabilization is achieved, but solubility in polymeric matrices is insufficient leading to aggregation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenanoparticle stabilizationVSAvoidsolubility in polymeric matrix

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite ligand structures combining polyamine head groups (for nanoparticle binding) with polyalkylene oxide tail groups (for matrix compatibility). This composite structure provides both stabilization and solubility, enabling nanoparticles to be uniformly dispersed in polymeric films without aggregation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution ensures a more uniform separation and higher concentrations of scattering nanoparticles and quantum dots in films, improving the light-scattering and emission properties of photonic devices, such as liquid crystal displays and LED displays.

Implementation Method 1

a head group comprising a polyamine chain, wherein the head group is bound to the surface of the nanoparticle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoordination:

Implementation Method 2

a head group comprising a polyamine chain, wherein the head group is bound to the surface of the nanoparticle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction:

Implementation Method 3

a tail group comprising a polyalkylene oxide chain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation:

Implementation Method 4

a tail group comprising a polyalkylene oxide chain

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSteric hindrance:

Data Source

PatentUS20240400848A1Multiamine ligands for nanoparticle solubilization and ink compositions containing nanoparticles capped with the ligands

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 KATEEVA INC

AI summary

Ligand-capped scattering nanoparticles, curable ink compositions containing the ligand-capped scattering nanoparticles, and methods of forming films from the ink compositions are provided. Also provided are cured films formed by curing the ink compositions and photonic devices incorporating the films. The ligands bound to the inorganic scattering nanoparticles include a head group and a tail group. The head group includes a polyamine chain and binds the ligands to the nanoparticle surface. The tail group includes a polyalkylene oxide chain.