Nanocarbon Manufacturing with In-Liquid Pulse Electric Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanomaterial production methods face challenges such as high manufacturing costs, polluting byproducts, difficulty in homogenizing particles with liquids, and limited control over particle size, particularly for nanodiamonds.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing pulse electric discharge in liquid to generate nanomaterials, including carbon nanoparticles, by controlling parameters like flow velocity and power supply settings to produce nanoparticles with sizes between 0.5 and 3 nanometers, dispersed uniformly in liquid without coagulation, using a chamber with adjustable electrodes and a circulation pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If nanomaterials are produced by conventional methods (detonation, explosion), then manufacturing cost is high, but production efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detonation/explosion methods with electrical discharge (plasma) method. The electrical discharge in liquid medium generates nanomaterials through energy accumulation and rapid release, eliminating the need for complex detonation equipment and hazardous procedures while reducing manufacturing costs and improving production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy delivery from mechanical impulse (detonation) to controlled electrical energy pulses. By adjusting electrical parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration, frequency), the process achieves cost-effective production with high efficiency, as electrical energy can be precisely controlled and scaled
2Ease of operation
If nanodiamonds are dispersed in liquid after purification, then dispersion form is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary dispersion action during the nanomaterial synthesis process itself. Nanomaterials are generated directly in liquid medium in dispersed form, eliminating the need for subsequent costly dispersion processing steps that would be required if using conventional dry-powder production methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the synthesis and dispersion processes into a single integrated operation. By generating nanomaterials directly in liquid medium through electrical discharge, the synthesis step simultaneously produces the dispersed form, combining two separate operations (synthesis then dispersion) into one cost-effective process
3Stability of the object's composition
If nanomaterial particles are homogenized with liquid, then uniform dispersion is achieved, but particles tend to coagulate or conglomerate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different conditions in different zones of the liquid medium. The electrical discharge creates localized high-energy regions for nanomaterial generation while the bulk liquid maintains conditions favorable for stable dispersion. The flow system creates local renewal of liquid around particles, preventing coagulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic electrical discharge pulses to generate nanomaterials intermittently. This periodic action, combined with continuous liquid flow, creates cycles of particle generation and dispersion renewal, preventing particles from remaining stationary long enough to coagulate while maintaining uniform distribution
4Manufacturing precision
If particle size is reduced after generation (e.g., by etching), then smaller nanodiamonds are achieved, but the process becomes difficult or impractical for industrial use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary size control during the nanomaterial generation process itself. By controlling electrical discharge parameters (energy density, pulse duration, liquid composition), nanomaterials are generated directly at the desired small size (including 1 nm nanodiamonds), eliminating the need for subsequent size-reduction steps that would be required with conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the electrical discharge process to directly control particle size. By adjusting voltage, current, pulse frequency, and liquid medium properties, the energy distribution during discharge is controlled to produce nanomaterials of specific sizes. This direct size control during synthesis is industrially practical compared to post-generation etching methods
Data Source
AI summary
A system for manufacturing a nanomaterial may include a first electrode; a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode by a gap; and a chamber configured to enclose the first electrode, the second electrode, and a liquid. The system may also include a power supply configured to provide electrical energy to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and a pump configured to cause the liquid to flow through the gap between the first electrode and the second electrode.