Nanosheet Jelly Roll Scrolls for Catalytic Microjet Propulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for fabricating nano- and micro-sized scrolls are limited by the need for expensive materials and techniques, and there is a lack of exploration into new materials and techniques to extend the application and lower costs of these structures.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the deposition of an aqueous solution of nanosheets onto a substrate, followed by coating with metal-containing substances using vapor deposition, and sonicating to form spontaneously rolling multilayer micron-sized scroll structures, where the layers can be composed of materials like graphene oxide, titanium, and platinum, allowing for functionalized structures with open ends and hollow centers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional methods using metal and metal oxide multilayers deposited on sacrificial material layers are used to fabricate nano- and micro-sized scrolls, then the structural integrity and controlled morphology of the scrolls are improved, but the manufacturing cost and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescroll morphologyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the sacrificial material layer from the fabrication process entirely. Instead of depositing metal/metal oxide multilayers on sacrificial layers and then etching them away, the invention uses nanosheets as the base layer that directly supports the metal coating, eliminating the need for sacrificial materials and subsequent removal steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive metal oxide multilayer systems with a combination of nanosheets (which can be produced more economically) and thin metal coatings. The nanosheets serve as a cost-effective substrate that enables scroll formation without requiring the complex multilayer metal oxide structures traditionally used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If new materials like nanosheets are used to fabricate scrolls, then the manufacturing cost and process simplicity are improved, but the ability to control interlayer distances and structural morphology may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidinterlayer distance control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls interlayer distances by adjusting parameters such as the concentration of nanosheets in the suspension, the deposition conditions, and the thickness of the metal coating. These parameter changes allow precise control over the final scroll structure's interlayer spacing and morphology while maintaining process simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If vapor deposition is used to coat nanosheets with metal layers, then the functional properties and catalytic activity of the scrolls are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and equipment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalytic functionalityVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical assembly processes with vapor deposition, where metal layers are deposited onto nanosheets through vapor-phase transport. This substitution provides better control over film thickness and uniformity, enhancing catalytic functionality while the process can be integrated into existing deposition equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables the creation of functionalized multilayer micron-sized scrolls that can be used for applications such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, drug delivery, and catalytic reactions, with controlled diameter and length, and can act as microjet engines due to catalytic reactions, demonstrating enhanced material properties and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

coating the nanosheet layer with a first layer of a material to form a multilayer structure using vapor deposition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

sonicating the multilayer material so that the multilayer material spontaneously forms a functionalized multilayer micron-sized scroll structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSonication: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

the Pt layer comprises the innermost layer located within the interior of the scroll structure and the GO layer comprises the outermost layer of the scroll structure. The Pt layer catalyzes the decomposition of H2O2 to form O2, which propels the scroll structure through the water as a microjet engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS9202606B2Functional nanostructured “jelly rolls” with nanosheet components

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to multilayered materials that are designed to roll spontaneously into micron-sized, cylindrical “jelly roll” or scroll structures. Specifically in this disclosure, at least one of the layers is comprised of a nanosheet material.