Nitride Nanomaterials via Aromatic Precursors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for preparing nitride nanomaterials are hazardous, toxic, and costly, with limited applicability due to the use of ammonia gas and stringent oxygen- and moisture-free conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a nitrogen-containing aromatic compound as a nitrogen source, where a transition metal precursor or group IIIA/IVA precursor is heated with the aromatic compound to form nanocrystalline nitride materials, allowing for safer, more versatile, and cost-effective production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ammonia gas is used as nitrogen source in conventional sintering method, then nitride nanomaterials can be prepared, but the process becomes dangerous and toxic

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces hazardous ammonia gas with solid or liquid nitrogen-containing precursors that are safer, less toxic, and easier to handle. These precursors decompose to release nitrogen in situ during heating, eliminating the need for toxic gas handling while maintaining the nitridation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces nitrogen-containing organic precursors as intermediary substances that mediate between the metal precursor and the final nitride product. These intermediaries decompose to provide nitrogen atoms during heating, avoiding direct use of toxic ammonia gas while achieving the same chemical transformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If molecular precursors containing nitrogen and metal are used, then nitride nanomaterials can be prepared, but the process requires oxygen- and moisture-free conditions resulting in process complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the nitrogen source from molecular precursors requiring strict anaerobic conditions to nitrogen-containing organic compounds that are stable in air. This parameter change allows the reaction to proceed under atmospheric conditions, eliminating complex vacuum or inert gas systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses readily available nitrogen-containing organic compounds that do not require specialized handling or storage conditions. These precursors can be handled in normal laboratory conditions without requiring oxygen- and moisture-free environments, greatly simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional methods are used for preparing nitride nanomaterials, then nitride products can be obtained, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive nitrogen-containing organic precursors that are readily available and do not require specialized storage or handling. These cheap precursors replace expensive molecular precursors and eliminate the need for complex equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used, then nitride nanomaterials can be prepared, but the applicability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveapplicabilityVSAvoidmethod simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a universal method that works with various metal precursors and nitrogen-containing organic compounds. The approach is broadly applicable to different metal elements and can be performed under simple atmospheric conditions, making it versatile and adaptable to multiple applications without requiring method modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 results in a simpler, safer, and more widely applicable method for producing nitride nanomaterials with smaller diameters and high dispersion, reducing environmental impact and manufacturing costs while avoiding the limitations of traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

heating the first precursor with the second precursor to form a nanocrystalline nitride material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS8679440B2Method for preparing nitride nanomaterials

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for preparing nitride nanomaterials, including: providing a first precursor and a second precursor, in which the first precursor is a transition metal precursor, a group IIIA precursor, a group IVA precursor or a mixture thereof, and a second precursor is a nitrogen-containing aromatic compound; and heating the first precursor with the second precursor to form a nitride nanomaterial. Accordingly, the present invention provides a simpler, nontoxic, more widely applied and low-cost method for preparing nitride nanomaterials.