Prussian Blue Nanoparticle Synthesis via Aqueous Crystal Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing Prussian blue-type metal complex nanoparticles are complex, require excessive raw materials, and often result in particles that are not dispersible in water, limiting their applications due to safety concerns and low yield, especially when using organic solvents.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the mixing of a Prussian blue-type metal complex crystal with an aqueous solution containing metal cyano complex anions and cations to produce nanoparticles with a core-shell structure, allowing for precise control of particle size and electrochemical responsiveness, and making them dispersible in water without the need for organic solvents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods using organic solvents and stabilizing molecules are employed to produce Prussian blue-type metal complex nanoparticles, then particle stability is improved, but safety concerns arise and handling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle stabilityVSAvoidsafety concerns
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the solvent system from organic solvents to water-based aqueous solutions. This parameter change eliminates safety concerns associated with organic solvents while maintaining nanoparticle stability through water-soluble stabilizing agents and controlled synthesis conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive and hazardous organic solvents with inexpensive, non-hazardous water as the dispersion medium. This substitution maintains the functional requirements while eliminating safety risks and reducing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Quantity of substance

If conventional production methods are used, then some nanoparticles are obtained, but the production process becomes complex and requires excessive raw materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanoparticle yieldVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the synthesis process into distinct stages: first forming Prussian blue-type metal complex crystals, then converting them to nanoparticles through controlled dissolution and reprecipitation in aqueous media. This segmentation simplifies each individual step while achieving the desired nanoparticle product

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary action by first synthesizing well-defined Prussian blue-type metal complex crystals with controlled composition and structure, which then serve as precursors for nanoparticle formation. This preliminary crystal formation step simplifies the subsequent nanoparticle synthesis and improves overall yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If Prussian blue-type metal complex nanoparticles are produced for practical applications, then dispersibility in solvent is improved, but the particles must be handled in organic solvents which require special apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedispersibilityVSAvoidspecial apparatus requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the dispersion medium parameter from organic solvents to water, enabling nanoparticle dispersibility without requiring special apparatus for organic solvent handling. Water-based dispersion maintains colloidal stability while eliminating the need for specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If water-soluble aminoethanol is used as a protecting molecule to disperse metal complex in water, then dispersibility is improved, but the metal complex hydrolyzes and yield reduces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater dispersibilityVSAvoidyield
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses an intermediary approach by first forming stable Prussian blue-type metal complex crystals that serve as protected precursors, then converting them to water-dispersible nanoparticles through controlled dissolution in aqueous media containing stabilizing agents. This intermediary crystal formation prevents hydrolysis that would otherwise occur with direct water-based synthesis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies beforehand cushioning by forming stable crystal structures with controlled composition before the nanoparticle conversion step. These pre-formed crystals act as a protective framework that prevents unwanted hydrolysis reactions during the water-based nanoparticle synthesis, thereby maintaining high yield

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 method enables the production of nanometer-sized Prussian blue-type metal complex nanoparticles with desired dispersion properties and controlled color, suitable for large-scale production, enhancing safety and handleability, and allowing for various applications including electrochemical devices and displays.

Implementation Method 1

two kinds of metal atoms (metal atoms 221 (MA) and metal atoms 224 (MB) in FIG. 35) assembling NaCl-type lattices are three-dimensionally crosslinked with cyano groups (carbon atoms 222 and nitrogen atoms 223)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoordination bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

mixing a crystal of a Prussian blue-type metal complex having the following metal atom MA and the following metal atom MB of being crosslinked via a cyano group CN with an aqueous solution containing a metal cyano complex anion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS8349221B2Method of producing prussian blue-type metal complex nanoparticles, and prussian blue-type metal complex nanoparticles obtained by the method, dispersion of the nanoparticles, method of regulating the color of the nanoparticles, and electrode and transmitted light-regulator each using the nanoparticles
Publication Date: 2013.01.08 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
  • US8349221B2 patent drawing
  • US8349221B2 patent drawing
  • US8349221B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of producing Prussian blue metal complex nanoparticles and Prussian blue metal complex nanoparticles obtained by the method, a dispersion of the nanoparticles, a method of regulating the color of the nanoparticles, and an electrode and a transmitted light-regulator each using the nanoparticles. Prussian blue metal complex nanoparticles are produced by: mixing an aqueous solution containing a metal cyano complex anion having metal atom MA as a central metal and an aqueous solution containing a cation of metal atom MB; thereby precipitating the crystal of a Prussian blue metal complex having the metal atom MA and the metal atom MB; and then mixing the Prussian blue metal complex with an aqueous solution containing a metal cyano complex anion having the metal atom MC as a central metal and/or an aqueous solution containing a cation of the metal atom MD.