Self-Assembled Nanostructured Particles via Structured Fluid Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing small nanoparticles are costly, time-consuming, and require specialized equipment, and traditional stabilization techniques can alter particle properties undesirably or involve hazardous chemicals.
Innovation Solution
The development of novel self-assembled nanostructured particles formed by adding a guest solid to a structured fluid matrix, such as a semi-solid or viscoelastic gel, which reduces particle size and stabilizes colloidal dispersions in a single step, using host molecules like polysaccharides and cavitands, without the need for additional stabilization steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical or physical techniques (milling, ultrasound, high sheer mixing) are used to reduce particle size, then small particles including nanoparticles can be obtained, but highly specialized equipment is required and the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical particle size reduction techniques (milling, ultrasound, high sheer mixing) with a chemical dissolution-recrystallization process. Particles are dissolved in a solvent and then recrystallized to achieve the desired small size, eliminating the need for specialized mechanical equipment while producing nanoparticles with controlled dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls particle size by changing chemical parameters during dissolution and recrystallization rather than applying mechanical force. By adjusting solvent composition, temperature, and recrystallization conditions, the particle size can be precisely controlled without requiring complex mechanical systems
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical or physical techniques are used to reduce particle size, then nanoparticles can be produced, but the process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The dissolution-recrystallization process occurs chemically in solution rather than through prolonged mechanical action. This chemical approach significantly reduces processing time compared to mechanical methods while maintaining precise control over final particle size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous dissolution and recrystallization processes that efficiently produce nanoparticles without the intermittent steps required by mechanical methods. The chemical transformation proceeds continuously through the solution phase, reducing overall process time
3Area of stationary object
If smaller particle sizes are achieved, then larger surface areas are obtained, but stabilization is required to prevent agglomeration and maintain dispersibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surfactants as intermediary substances that adsorb onto the nanoparticle surfaces during the dissolution-recrystallization process. These surfactant molecules form protective layers that prevent particle agglomeration and maintain colloidal stability, allowing the high surface area nanoparticles to remain dispersed without requiring additional stabilization steps
4Stability of the object's composition
If stabilization techniques (surfactants, covalent attachment, encapsulation) are applied, then colloidal stability is achieved, but particle properties may be altered undesirably or hazardous chemicals are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs surfactants as gentle intermediary agents that provide stabilization through physical adsorption rather than harsh covalent modification or encapsulation. This approach maintains the inherent properties of the particles while achieving colloidal stability, avoiding the need for hazardous chemicals or complex additional stabilization steps
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 produces stable colloidal dispersions with improved chroma, shade, and surface adhesion, and selectivity, while being cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and suitable for various applications, including jetting technology.
Implementation Method 1
particle size may be reduced by dissolving larger particles and constraining growth during recrystallization
Implementation Method 2
particle size may be reduced by dissolving larger particles and constraining growth during recrystallization
Implementation Method 3
constraining their growth, for example, by formation in a micro-channel reactor
Implementation Method 4
the addition of polymeric or small molecule surfactants that associate non-covalently with the surface of the particle
Implementation Method 5
novel self-assembled nanostructured particles formed by adding a guest solid to a structured fluid matrix
Data Source
AI summary
Novel, nano-structured particles are formed by introducing a selected solid of interest into a structured fluid matrix formed by a dispersion of a small molecule host vessel components, such as a native or modified polysaccharide, cavitand, simple sugar, disaccharide, simple polyol or other similarly structured molecule known to be useful as a host vessel, in an acidic medium or other solvent, whereby the particle size of the introduced solid is reduced and or limited in the structured fluid matrix, by incorporation into or attachment to, the host vessel. The simple, one-batch mixing process results in stabilized colloidal dispersions of the nanoparticles of a variety of solids of varying scope and function and useful in a wide variety of applications, including without limitation ceramic materials, such as hexagonal boron nitride.