Phyllosilicate-Copper Biocidal Solids for Reduced Phytotoxicity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current copper-based biocidal agents for plant protection are ineffective and pose health and environmental risks due to high phytotoxicity and excessive copper usage, as well as inconsistent biocidal activity when used in nanoparticle form on nanometric supports.

Innovation Solution

Depositing Cu(0) nanoparticles on phyllosilicates with nanometric thickness and micrometric dimensions, which reduces copper usage while maintaining or enhancing biocidal effectiveness and minimizing phytotoxicity, and using a method involving delamination and surfactant-assisted deposition to achieve this configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If copper compounds are used in conventional formulations for plant protection, then biocidal activity is achieved, but phytotoxicity and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiocidal activityVSAvoidphytotoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phyllosilicate materials with layered structures that can intercalate copper compounds. The porous and layered nature of these materials allows controlled release of copper, reducing immediate phytotoxic effects while maintaining biocidal activity over time. The intercalation spaces provide a reservoir that gradually releases active copper species.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite materials by combining copper compounds with phyllosilicate supports. This composite structure allows the copper to be dispersed and stabilized within the phyllosilicate layers, enhancing biocidal effectiveness while the phyllosilicate matrix reduces direct contact with plants, thereby lowering phytotoxicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Area of stationary object

If nanoparticle supports with all nanometric dimensions are used to increase surface area, then copper dispersion is improved, but phytotoxicity and health risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface areaVSAvoidphytotoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fully three-dimensional nanoparticulate supports to two-dimensional phyllosilicate layers. By extending the support structure in two dimensions (micrometric platelets) rather than confining it to all three dimensions at nanoscale, the material provides sufficient surface area for copper dispersion while reducing the ability to penetrate plant tissues and enter human lungs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the copper loading across numerous phyllosilicate platelets rather than concentrating it on a single nanoparticle. This segmentation distributes the biocidal activity across many smaller units with micrometric dimensions, maintaining effective surface area while individual units are too large to cause the same level of phytotoxicity or inhalation hazards as fine nanoparticles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If high amounts of copper are applied to achieve effective biocidal action, then pathogenic microorganisms are controlled, but environmental pollution and health risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiocidal effectivenessVSAvoidcopper usage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by intercalating copper compounds within the phyllosilicate structure before application. This pre-positioning of copper within the layered structure ensures controlled availability and reduces the total amount needed, as the copper is already in place and activated for biocidal function without requiring excess application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous biocidal action through the gradual release of copper from the phyllosilicate intercalation spaces. This sustained release mechanism maintains effective copper concentrations at the application site over extended periods, reducing the frequency and total amount of copper applications needed compared to conventional formulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 resulting solids exhibit superior biocidal activity with significantly reduced copper usage, lower phytotoxicity, and a simpler, cost-effective manufacturing process, making them safer and more environmentally friendly for agricultural and industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

using a method involving delamination and surfactant-assisted deposition to achieve this configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurfactant-assisted deposition: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

which comprises delaminating a phyllosilicate and then depositing Cu(0) nanoparticles on the delaminated phyllosilicate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDelamination:

Data Source

PatentUS11412738B2Phyllosilicate-copper solid materials with biocidal activity

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 LAB JAER

AI summary

The invention relates to the production of a solid material comprising a phyllosilicate onto which Cu(0) nanoparticles have been deposited. The solid can be used in several biological applications, primarily in agriculture for crop control. The invention also provides a method for manufacturing the solid, which comprises delaminating the phyllosilicate and depositing Cu(0) nanoparticles onto the delaminated phyllosilicate.