Monodisperse Silica Spheres via Polyamine-Acidic Aggregate Templating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing monodisperse silica spheres with integrated organic materials and functional molecules face challenges in achieving high monodispersity, simplicity of production, and efficient incorporation of various functional groups, often resulting in complex processes, low productivity, and environmental stress.

Innovation Solution

A process involving a sol-gel reaction using a polymer with a linear polyethyleneimine chain and a compound with an acidic group, where the polymer and acidic compound form stable aggregates that template the silica synthesis, allowing for the production of monodisperse silica spheres with excellent monodispersity and functional capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional Stober's method or improved versions are used to produce monodisperse silica spheres with functional molecules, then functional groups can be incorporated into the spheres, but the production processes become complicated and reaction times increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincorporation of functional moleculesVSAvoidproduction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the incorporation of functional molecules and organic materials into a single step during the silica sphere synthesis process. By using a compound with both acidic group and organic material, and reacting it with polyamine in the Stober's method, both functional groups and organic materials are introduced simultaneously into the silica spheres, eliminating the need for separate functionalization steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by incorporating functional molecules and organic materials into the compound that reacts with polyamine during the silica sphere formation process. This preliminary incorporation ensures that functional groups are built into the sphere structure from the beginning, rather than added later through separate treatment steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used to produce silica spheres with integrated organic materials, then functional capabilities are achieved, but productivity decreases and reaction times become long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of organic materialsVSAvoidreaction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the organic material incorporation step with the silica sphere synthesis step. By using a compound containing both acidic group and organic material that reacts directly with polyamine during the sol-gel process, the organic material is integrated into the sphere structure simultaneously with silica formation, eliminating sequential steps and reducing total reaction time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to produce monodisperse silica spheres, then sphere formation is achieved, but environmental stress increases due to high ammonia concentration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonodispersity controlVSAvoidenvironmental stress from high ammonia concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the reaction system by introducing a polyamine compound with specific molecular structure and properties. This polyamine reacts with the compound containing acidic group and organic material to form a complex that serves as a template for silica sphere formation, allowing monodispersity to be achieved while reducing the need for high ammonia concentrations and other harsh environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 monodisperse silica spheres exhibit high monodispersity, enabling the incorporation of various functional molecules and properties, such as metal ion concentration and sterilization, with a simplified production process under mild conditions, suitable for applications in catalysts, antibacterial agents, and other advanced materials.

Implementation Method 1

performing a sol-gel reaction of an alkoxy silane on the aggregates as template

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSol-gel reaction:

Implementation Method 2

the polymer is physically bonded to the compound having an acidic group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical bonding:

Implementation Method 3

performing a sol-gel reaction of an alkoxy silane on the aggregates as template, in the presence of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS7645828B2Monodisperse silica spheres containing polyamine and process for producing the same

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 DIC CORP

AI summary

Monodisperse silica spheres containing polyamine, which comprise a polymer (A) having a linear polyethyleneimine chain, a compound (B) having an acidic group, and silica (C).