Nanosecond-Pulsed Plasma Synthesis of N6 Polynitrogen

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Solution Overview

Problem

The synthesis of polymeric nitrogen materials is challenging due to the high pressures required, which makes them unstable at ambient conditions, and there is a lack of recoverable pathways to ambient conditions.

Innovation Solution

The use of nanosecond-pulsed spark discharge plasma in liquid nitrogen to treat sodium azide, resulting in the generation of a new compound identified as N6 polynitrogen, which is stable at cryogenic conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If high pressure is applied to synthesize polymeric nitrogen, then the synthesis is achieved, but the material becomes unstable at ambient conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynthesis feasibilityVSAvoidmaterial stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the synthesis parameters from high pressure to low temperature (cryogenic conditions). By synthesizing polymeric nitrogen at temperatures below -55°C, the material achieves stability without requiring high pressure, thus resolving the contradiction between synthesis feasibility and material stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transition by cooling the system to cryogenic temperatures. This phase transition stabilizes the polymeric nitrogen structure, allowing it to maintain its composition at ambient pressure conditions where it would otherwise decompose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Ease of manufacture

If high pressure synthesis is used, then polymeric nitrogen is formed, but there is no recoverable pathway to ambient conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynthesis capabilityVSAvoidrecoverability to ambient conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the controlling parameter from pressure to temperature. By using low temperature synthesis, the material can be recovered to ambient pressure conditions while maintaining stability, providing a viable pathway from synthesis to application conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of synthesizing at high pressure and then attempting to return to ambient conditions (the conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by synthesizing at low temperature and then allowing pressure to return to ambient levels, thus achieving recoverability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If conventional discharge methods are used in liquid, then discharge is initiated, but bubbles or voids form in the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge initiationVSAvoidliquid homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses nanosecond-pulsed discharge instead of continuous discharge. The periodic pulsed action allows the liquid to return to its homogeneous state between pulses, preventing bubble formation while maintaining effective discharge initiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs dynamically controlled nanosecond pulses with specific rise times and durations. This dynamic approach allows precise control over the discharge process, initiating plasma formation without allowing bubbles to form, thus maintaining liquid homogeneity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficiently synthesizes polymeric nitrogen compounds, including N6 polynitrogen, which is stable at ambient pressure up to -55°C, enabling potential practical applications.

Implementation Method 1

nanosecond-pulsed discharge plasma in liquid phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNanosecond-pulsed discharge plasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

high densities of electrons and excited species

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron ionization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

the discharge initiation mechanism is determined by the so-called electrostriction phenomenon which causes formation of a region saturated with nanopores

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostriction: Electrostriction

Implementation Method 4

liquid evaporation due to Joule heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 5

Ignition of these types of discharges in a cryogenic environment presents new possibilities for generation of unconventional materials, due to the extremely fast quenching by the cryogenic environment outside of the discharge zone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic quenching: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS20250065290A1Method for generation of novel materials using nanosecond-pulsed discharge plasma in liquid phase

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 DREXEL UNIV

AI summary

A method for generation of material in a liquid phase comprising a step of subjecting the liquid phase to a nanosecond-pulsed discharge plasma.