Semiconductor Nanocrystal Composite Barrier Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Semiconductor nanocrystals in composites are prone to degradation due to exposure to oxygen and moisture, and catalysts in the matrix can adversely affect their properties, leading to instability and reduced performance in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A nanocrystal composite is developed with a barrier layer made of a polymer with low oxygen and moisture permeability, such as polyolefins or polyvinyl chlorides, to protect the semiconductor nanocrystals, and an optional functional layer for enhanced adhesion and barrier properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If semiconductor nanocrystals are exposed to external factors such as oxygen or moisture, then they can be utilized in electronic devices, but they become defective or oxidized, degrading their inherent characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability in electronic devicesVSAvoidstability of nanocrystal characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an inert polymer barrier layer that creates a protective environment around the semiconductor nanocrystals, isolating them from oxygen and moisture in the external environment. This inert barrier prevents oxidative degradation while allowing the nanocrystals to maintain their functional properties for use in electronic devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes a thin polymer barrier layer that acts as a flexible protective shell around the nanocrystal composite. This thin film provides effective protection against environmental factors while maintaining the structural integrity and functional properties of the nanocrystals for device applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If a polymer matrix is used to contain semiconductor nanocrystals, then the composite can be fabricated, but acid or base catalysts and functional groups in the polymer may adversely affect the inherent characteristics of the nanocrystals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication of nanocrystal compositeVSAvoidpreservation of nanocrystal properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different polymer materials with different properties to different regions or functions: the bulk matrix provides structural support and ease of fabrication, while a specific barrier layer made from chemically inert polymers (such as polyolefins) protects the nanocrystals from chemical degradation. This local differentiation of polymer quality allows both easy manufacturing and property preservation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a barrier layer made from chemically inert polymers that do not require catalysts or functional groups that could degrade the nanocrystals. This approach sacrifices some chemical reactivity (which would be needed for certain fabrication steps) to ensure the long-term stability and preservation of nanocrystal properties in the final device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If the polymer barrier layer is made with very low oxygen and moisture permeability, then protection against degradation is improved, but the polymer selection and fabrication complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against oxidation and moistureVSAvoidpolymer selection and layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the contradiction by changing the permeability parameters of the polymer barrier layer to very low levels for oxygen and moisture. By selecting polymers with inherently low permeability (such as polyolefins, polyvinylidene chloride, and their copolymers) and optimizing the layer thickness to 1-10 micrometers, the patent achieves effective protection without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining the semiconductor nanocrystals with a polymer matrix, and further复合s a barrier layer of chemically inert polymers with low permeability. This multi-material composite approach provides both the structural benefits of polymer matrices and the protective benefits of low-permeability barrier materials, achieving reliable protection while managing fabrication complexity through the use of compatible polymer systems.

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 barrier layer effectively prevents oxygen and moisture penetration, ensuring the stability and longevity of semiconductor nanocrystal composites in electronic devices and maintaining their inherent properties.

Implementation Method 1

a barrier layer disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the matrix and including a polymer with low oxygen permeability, low moisture permeability or both

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation barrier: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

including a polymer with low oxygen permeability, low moisture permeability or both

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion barrier: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS8427855B2Semiconductor nanocrystal composite

Publication Date: 2013.04.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A nanocrystal composite that includes a matrix including semiconductor nanocrystals, and a barrier layer disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the matrix and including a polymer with low oxygen permeability, low moisture permeability, or both.