Inorganic Oxide Nanoparticle Surface Functionalization with Niobium and Silane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inorganic oxide nanoparticles tend to aggregate easily, limiting their dispersibility in compositions, even when surface functionalization is attempted using organosilanes like n-propyltrimethoxysilane, which is insufficient in improving dispersibility.
Innovation Solution
Functionalizing the surfaces of inorganic oxide nanoparticles with a combination of a niobium compound and a silane compound, specifically structured to form Si—O—Nb bonds, which enhances their dispersibility and prevents aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If inorganic oxide particles are used to improve refractive index, then optical performance is improved, but particles aggregate easily reducing dispersibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining inorganic oxide particles (e.g., zirconium oxide, titanium oxide) with organic components to create a hybrid material system. This composite approach allows the inorganic particles to provide high refractive index while the organic matrix improves dispersibility and prevents aggregation, resolving the contradiction between optical performance and dispersibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by functionalizing the surface of inorganic oxide particles with specific organic compounds (silane compounds, carboxylic acids, amines). This creates a core-shell structure where the inorganic core provides high refractive index while the organic shell provides improved dispersibility and prevents aggregation, allowing different parts of the particle to have different properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If surface functionalization with organosilanes is performed, then dispersibility is improved, but aggregation still occurs insufficiently preventing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the type of organic functionalizing agent (silane compounds with different alkyl chains, carboxylic acids, amines), the concentration of functionalizing agent, and reaction conditions. This optimization of parameters achieves sufficient surface coverage and steric hindrance to prevent aggregation, resolving the contradiction between dispersibility improvement and reliable aggregation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite functionalizing agents combining multiple organic compounds (e.g., silane compounds plus carboxylic acids or amines) to create a synergistic effect. This composite functionalization approach provides both chemical bonding to the inorganic surface and sufficient steric hindrance to prevent aggregation, achieving reliable dispersibility improvement.
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 functionalization with niobium and silane compounds significantly improves the dispersibility of inorganic oxide nanoparticles, preventing aggregation and enhancing their refractive index and transparency in dispersions.
Implementation Method 1
functionalizing surfaces of inorganic oxide particles with a functionalizing agent including at least one selected from a niobium compound represented by formula (1) below: in which, in the formula (1), n is an integer of 1 or more and 4 or less, R10 is an alkyl group, and R11 is a monovalent organic group bonding to niobium atom via Nb—C bond
Data Source
AI summary
Nanoparticles including inorganic oxide particles and having good dispersibility, a dispersion of nanoparticles including said nanoparticles, and a production method of said nanoparticles are provided. Surfaces of inorganic oxide particles is functionalized with a functionalizing agent including niobium compound having a specific structure and a silane compound having a specific structure. The inorganic oxide particles are preferably titanium oxide particles or zirconium oxide particles. Average primary particle size of the nanoparticles measured by X-ray diffraction method is preferably 3 nm or more and 20 nm or less.