Nanocluster Dispersion Production via Liquid Phase Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing nanoclusters struggle to efficiently collect nanoclusters with uniform cluster sizes due to aggregation issues, especially when collecting in a gas phase, and fail to maintain dispersion in a liquid phase, leading to difficulties in applications such as catalysts and biosensors.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of nanoclusters in a liquid phase with a dispersion medium that prevents aggregation, using solvents with low volatility and specific bonds like ether or siloxane, and collecting them in a controlled manner to achieve uniform dispersion and high yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If nanoclusters are generated by aggregating neutral atoms or atomic ions in a liquid phase, then nanoclusters can be collected in liquid form for easy handling and application, but the nanoclusters aggregate and combine on solid substrates when collected from gas phase, and it is extremely difficult to peel off and collect them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dispersion medium as an intermediary substance that mediates between the nanoclusters and the collection process. The dispersion medium allows nanoclusters to be collected in liquid form while preventing aggregation, solving the contradiction between ease of collection and dispersion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the collection medium from gas phase to liquid phase. By collecting nanoclusters in liquid dispersion rather than gas phase deposition, the nanoclusters remain dispersed and do not aggregate on substrates, making them easy to handle and apply.
2Productivity
If neutral atoms or atomic ions that self-aggregate are used, then nanoclusters can be generated efficiently, but the types of atoms are limited to elements with low ionization tendency and high aggregation tendency
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersion medium acts as an intermediary that enables efficient aggregation of nanoclusters while allowing use of diverse atom types. The medium facilitates the aggregation process for elements with high ionization tendency that would not otherwise self-aggregate efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical environment by introducing specific dispersion media that modify the aggregation behavior of atoms. This allows elements with high ionization tendency to form nanoclusters efficiently by changing the medium's properties rather than being limited to elements with low ionization tendency.
3Productivity
If temperatures, stirring conditions, or amounts of additives are changed to optimize nanocluster generation, then nanocluster production can be improved, but the nanocluster size distributions become wider
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies specific parameter ranges for temperature, stirring conditions, and additive amounts that simultaneously improve production efficiency and maintain narrow size distribution. Rather than treating these parameters as trade-offs, the patent finds optimal values that achieve both goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs control based on monitoring nanocluster formation conditions to maintain size uniformity while optimizing production. By adjusting parameters based on observed nanocluster characteristics, the system maintains narrow size distribution even at high production rates.
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 allows for the efficient collection and dispersion of nanoclusters with controlled cluster sizes, enhancing their applicability in various fields like catalysts, electronic devices, and biosensors by maintaining stability and preventing aggregation.
Implementation Method 1
neutral atoms or atomic ions generated by a magnetron sputtering method
Implementation Method 2
generated by a magnetron sputtering method being injected into a liquid phase
Implementation Method 3
A method involving the generation of nanoclusters in a liquid phase with a dispersion medium that prevents aggregation
Implementation Method 4
collecting them in a controlled manner to achieve uniform dispersion and high yield
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a nanocluster liquid dispersion where nanoclusters with a predetermined number of atoms are dispersed.