Nanomaterial Electrodes for Flexible Transparent Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rigid electrodynamic arrays using metal electrodes are brittle and unsuitable for flexible applications, and the etching process for metal electrode patterning is limiting for substrates like fabrics, while metal electrodes are also UV degradable and not environmentally resistant.
Innovation Solution
Depositing liquid solutions of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanomaterials, as conductive electrodes on various substrates using methods like printing, electrospray, and microfabrication, providing flexible and transparent electrodynamic arrays that are quicker and easier to produce than traditional metal electrode methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal electrodes (ITO, aluminum, copper) are used in electrodynamic arrays, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but flexibility and environmental resistance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters from bulk metals to nanoscale materials (carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal nanoparticles). This size reduction fundamentally alters the material properties, providing both flexibility and environmental resistance while maintaining conductivity. The nanomaterials can conform to flexible substrates and resist UV degradation and chemical corrosion that plague traditional metal electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures, particularly carbon-based nanomaterials combined with polymeric matrices or mixed with conductive polymers. These composites integrate the electrical conductivity of nanomaterials with the flexibility and environmental stability of polymer matrices, resolving the contradiction between metallic conductivity and flexible substrate compatibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional metal electrode patterning by etching is used, then conductive patterns are formed, but the process is complex and incompatible with flexible substrates like fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical etching process with solution-based deposition methods. Instead of removing material through etching, the invention uses liquid solutions containing nanomaterials that are deposited onto substrates through printing, spraying, or dip-coating techniques. This substitution enables fabrication on flexible substrates like fabrics that cannot withstand etching processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes liquid solutions (hydraulic principle) to deposit electrode patterns. The nanomaterials are suspended in liquid carriers that can be applied to substrates through various fluid-based techniques including spraying, printing, and dip-coating. This liquid-phase deposition method is inherently compatible with flexible and porous substrates unlike solid-state etching processes.
3Illumination intensity
If ITO is used for transparent electrodes, then optical transparency is achieved, but UV degradation occurs reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from ITO (indium tin oxide) to carbon-based nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene. These carbon materials inherently possess UV resistance while maintaining optical transparency and electrical conductivity. The parameter change from oxide to carbon-based material resolves the UV degradation issue while preserving the transparent electrode function.
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 enables the creation of flexible and transparent electrodynamic arrays on various substrates, including fabrics, with improved durability and environmental resistance, facilitating effective dust mitigation and particle separation applications.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid solutions can be deposited using a number of deposition methods that include without limitation printing, electrospray, microfabrication, electrostatic deposition, self-assembly, patterning, electroprinting, and other deposition techniques known to those skilled in the art.
Implementation Method 2
liquid solutions (herein also referred to as 'inks') of nanomaterials are deposited as arrays of electrodes on various substrates
Data Source
AI summary
An electrodynamic array of conductive nanomaterial electrodes and a method of making such an electrodynamic array. In one embodiment, a liquid solution containing nanomaterials is deposited as an array of conductive electrodes on a substrate, including rigid or flexible substrates such as fabrics, and opaque or transparent substrates. The nanomaterial electrodes may also be grown in situ. The nanomaterials may include carbon nanomaterials, other organic or inorganic nanomaterials or mixtures.