Nanomaterial Thickness Sorting via Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synthesizing and purifying two-dimensional nanomaterials, such as graphene, lack control over the number of layers and are inefficient for large-scale production, often resulting in partially oxidized or defective nanomaterials with impaired properties.
Innovation Solution
The use of surface active components to create stable dispersions of nanomaterials in water, allowing for separation by buoyant density through density gradient ultracentrifugation, enabling the enrichment of nanomaterials with specific thickness and maintaining their pristine state without chemical modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If micromechanical cleavage is used to produce two-dimensional nanomaterials, then high crystal quality is achieved, but control over thickness and position is lost, and large-scale production is unfavorable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental production parameter from mechanical cleavage to solution-phase synthesis, allowing control over thickness through synthesis conditions rather than post-production selection. This enables precise control of the number of layers while maintaining crystal quality through controlled nucleation and growth processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by controlling the synthesis process to produce nanomaterials with desired thickness characteristics before they are even formed. By adjusting synthesis parameters such as concentration, temperature, and reaction time, the desired thickness distribution is achieved during production rather than requiring subsequent sorting or selection.
2Reliability
If micromechanical cleavage is used, then high crystal quality is achieved, but considerable effort is required to locate crystallites and large-scale production is unfavorable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cleavage system with a solution-phase chemical synthesis system. This substitution allows for scalable production through standard solution processing techniques while maintaining control over crystal quality through controlled nucleation and growth, enabling both high quality and large-scale production.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution-phase synthesis method provides multi-functionality by simultaneously achieving high crystal quality, precise thickness control, and scalability. The same synthesis protocol can be applied to produce large quantities of nanomaterials with controlled properties, eliminating the need for separate processes for quality control and production scaling.
3Productivity
If solution-based methods with intercalation and sonication are used, then large-scale production is enabled, but violent reactions cause oxidation and defect sites that impair properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reaction conditions by using milder intercalation agents and lower temperatures, avoiding the violent reactions that cause oxidation. The synthesis proceeds under controlled conditions that prevent harmful side reactions while still enabling efficient exfoliation and large-scale production of high-quality nanomaterials.
4Area of stationary object
If epitaxial growth is used, then large area coverage is achieved, but control over thickness is lost and transfer to other substrates is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solution-phase synthesis as an intermediary approach, producing nanomaterials in a controllable environment and then transferring them to target substrates. This allows precise thickness control during synthesis while achieving large area coverage through solution processing and deposition techniques, eliminating the need for complex transfer processes.
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 method allows for the controlled preparation and purification of nanomaterials with precise layer thickness, achieving high purity and stability, thereby enhancing their electronic properties and enabling scalable production.
Implementation Method 1
contacted with one or more surface active components to provide a nanomaterial composition
Implementation Method 2
separation by buoyant density can be accomplished by, but is not limited to, density gradient ultracentrifugation
Implementation Method 3
separation by buoyant density can be accomplished by, but is not limited to, density gradient ultracentrifugation
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings provide, in part, methods of separating two-dimensional nanomaterials by atomic layer thickness. In certain embodiments, the present teachings provide methods of generating boron nitride nanomaterials having a controlled number of atomic layer(s).