Multiphase Oxide-Borate Nanocomposite With Controlled Phase Morphology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synthesizing multi-component metal oxide and borate nanocomposites face challenges in achieving controlled morphology and high structural diversity, leading to limitations in performance for advanced applications.
Innovation Solution
A nanocomposite material comprising CaB2O4, PbO, CuO, Pb3O4, and Pb4O(BO3)2 is fabricated using the Pechini sol-gel method, with controlled atomic concentrations and crystallite sizes, resulting in a stable and functional composite with sharp-edged plates and granular particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional solid-state synthesis or hydrothermal processes are used to produce multi-component metal oxide composites, then the synthesis method is simple and well-established, but the crystalline phase purity is poor and particle size distribution and morphology cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The synthesis process is divided into distinct stages: sol formation, gelation, drying, and calcination. Each stage is optimized independently to achieve precise control over crystalline phase purity and particle size distribution, while maintaining manageable process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies critical parameters including calcination temperature (500-800°C), sol composition ratios, and gelation conditions to optimize the nanocomposite properties. This parameter optimization enables precise control over crystalline phase purity and particle morphology
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple metal oxides and borates are combined in existing literature approaches, then some catalytic and adsorption properties are achieved, but efficient combination with controlled morphology and high structural diversity is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-phase nanocomposite integrating six different compounds (CaB2O4, PbO, CuO, Pb3O4, PbB2O4, Pb4O(BO3)2) with complementary properties. The sol-gel method enables homogeneous distribution and controlled morphology, achieving both structural diversity and morphological precision
Solution Approach 2:
The sol-gel process acts as an intermediary mechanism that facilitates the uniform integration of multiple metal oxides and borates. The gel network serves as a template that controls particle formation and morphology during the transformation from sol to solid nanocomposite
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 nanocomposite material exhibits enhanced structural and functional properties, enabling robust performance in complex applications by leveraging the properties of its constituent compounds.
Implementation Method 1
fabricated using Pechini sol-gel method
Implementation Method 2
forming an aqueous mixture by adding an aqueous solution of a chelating agent to an aqueous solution of a calcium salt, a copper salt, a lead salt and boric acid
Implementation Method 3
adding a polyol into the aqueous mixture to form a gel; heating the gel under stirring at a temperature of from about 200 to about 400° C. for a sufficient duration to form a dry powder
Implementation Method 4
heating the gel under stirring at a temperature of from about 200 to about 400° C. for a sufficient duration to form a dry powder
Implementation Method 5
heating the gel under stirring at a temperature of from about 200 to about 400° C. for a sufficient duration to form a dry powder
Implementation Method 6
calcining the dry powder at a temperature of about 500 to about 800° C. to form the nanocomposite material
Data Source
AI summary
A multiphase particulate nanocomposite material comprising, as determined by X-ray diffraction: a monoclinic CuO crystalline phase; an orthorhombic CaB2O4 crystalline phase; an orthorhombic PbO crystalline phase; an orthorhombic Pb4O(BO3)2 crystalline phase; a tetragonal Pb3O4 crystalline phase, and, a PbB2O4 crystalline phase. The multiphase particulate nanocomposite material has, based on the total number of atoms in the nanocomposite material: an atomic concentration of boron (B) is from about 1 to about 10 atom %; an atomic concentration of calcium (Ca) is from about 5 to about 15 atom %; an atomic concentration of copper (Cu) is from about 5 to about 15 atom %; and, an atomic concentration of lead (Pb) is from about 5 to about 15 atom %.