Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticle and Articles Comprising the Same
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of research on incorporating persistent luminescent materials into textiles and fabrics, particularly for applications in low-light identification and tactical missions, where existing technologies fail to provide effective methods for identifying individuals in low-light situations without external light sources.
Innovation Solution
Development of articles comprising luminescent nanoparticles, such as LaAlO3, Gd2O3, and SrAl2O4 doped with rare-earth elements, which emit in the infrared region after UV excitation, integrated into fibers and fabrics through methods like electrospinning and spray-coating, allowing for persistent luminescence in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If persistent luminescent materials are incorporated into textiles and fabrics, then the ability to identify and locate individuals in low-light situations is improved, but the complexity of manufacturing and integrating nanoparticles into textile structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-synthesizing persistent luminescent nanoparticles with specific crystal structures and dopant compositions before integration into textiles. The nanoparticles are prepared in advance with optimized properties (e.g., SrAl2O4:Eu,Dy composition) and then incorporated into textile fibers through processing, separating the complex nanoparticle synthesis from the textile manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining persistent luminescent nanoparticles with textile fiber matrices. The nanoparticles are integrated into polymer fibers, cotton, or other textile materials to create composite structures that maintain both the textile's mechanical properties and the nanoparticles' luminescent functionality for low-light identification.
2Illumination intensity
If nanoparticles are doped with rare-earth elements to enhance luminescence, then the brightness and persistence of luminescence is improved, but the cost of materials and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by doping only specific regions or portions of the nanoparticle crystal structure with rare-earth elements like europium and dysprosium, rather than uniformly distributing them throughout. This targeted doping approach optimizes luminescence efficiency while minimizing the total amount of expensive rare-earth materials required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the concentration and ratio of dopant elements (e.g., Eu:Dy ratios in SrAl2O4) to achieve maximum luminescence intensity. By carefully controlling doping parameters and heat treatment conditions, the patent enhances brightness while reducing the overall quantity of expensive rare-earth elements needed.
3Reliability
If high heating temperatures are applied to alter crystal structure and create oxygen vacancies, then the persistent luminescence performance is improved, but the energy consumption and risk of nanoparticle aggregation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing nanoparticle synthesis and crystal structure formation in sequential steps, where initial low-temperature synthesis creates the base structure, followed by a separate, controlled high-temperature heat treatment step to create oxygen vacancies. This separates the high-energy process from the main synthesis, allowing energy-intensive steps to be optimized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase transitions by utilizing controlled heating to induce specific crystal phase transformations in the nanoparticles. The heat treatment at elevated temperatures (e.g., 900-1100°C) triggers phase changes that create the desired crystal structure with oxygen vacancies, while subsequent cooling stabilizes the structure. This controlled phase transition approach achieves high performance with minimized energy input.
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
Enables identification and location of individuals in low-light situations using infrared luminescence detectable by night vision cameras, providing a unique advantage over existing night vision technologies by distinguishing between individuals and background heat signatures.
Implementation Method 1
Persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) are those which can store an amount of energy locally and release it slowly in the form of light... the luminescent nanoparticle emits in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum after the luminescent nanoparticle is excited with a UV light source
Implementation Method 2
Persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) are those which can store an amount of energy locally and release it slowly in the form of light
Implementation Method 3
heating the nanoparticle to a temperature of at least 1000° C. to alter the crystal structure of the nanoparticle and/or to create oxygen vacancies in the nanoparticle
Data Source
AI summary
An article comprising a luminescent nanoparticle is described, wherein the luminescent nanoparticle is selected from the group consisting of oxide nanoparticles, aluminate nanoparticles, and germanate nanoparticles; and wherein the luminescent nanoparticle is doped with one or more metals or rare-earth elements. A method of making a luminescent nanoparticle is also described, the method comprising the steps of: providing a nanoparticle, doping the nanoparticle with one or more chemical elements, heating the nanoparticle to a temperature of between about 1000° C. and about 1200° C. to alter the crystal structure of the nanoparticle and/or to create oxygen vacancies in the nanoparticle. A persistent luminescent nanoparticle is described, said persistent luminescent nanoparticle being selected from the group consisting of: LaAlO3 nanoparticles, Gd2O3 nanoparticles, SrAl2O4 nanoparticles, Y2O3 nanoparticles, and combinations thereof; wherein the nanoparticle is doped with about 1% or less of a chemical element selected from the group consisting of: holmium, europium, ytterbium, neodymium, magnesium, and combinations thereof.