Quantum Dot Aggregate Particles with Thiol Linkers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Quantum dots' luminous properties and stability are adversely affected by external environments, and existing methods for forming quantum dot polymer composites often deteriorate their properties during processing.

Innovation Solution

A quantum dot aggregate particle comprising a plurality of quantum dots, a polyvalent metal compound, and a thiol compound with at least two thiol groups, forming a core-shell structure, which enhances stability and prevents deterioration by linking quantum dots together, thereby maintaining improved luminous properties and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If quantum dots are dispersed in a solid state matrix to form a quantum dot polymer composite, then the quantum dots are protected from external environment, but the preparation processes have substantial and adverse effects on their luminous properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of quantum dotsVSAvoidluminous properties of quantum dots
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the quantum dot system into three distinct functional components: quantum dots (emissive particles), polyvalent metal compounds (linking agents), and thiol compounds (terminal functional groups). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, protecting luminous properties while achieving stability through the modular aggregate structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite quantum dot aggregate particle by combining quantum dots with polyvalent metal compounds and thiol compounds. This composite structure integrates the emissive properties of quantum dots with the stabilizing and linking functions of the metal-thiol system, achieving both luminous property preservation and environmental stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If quantum dots are mixed with a solid state matrix to improve stability, then protection from external environment is achieved, but deterioration of quantum dot properties occurs during processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of quantum dotsVSAvoidprocessing conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by pre-assembling quantum dots with polyvalent metal compounds and thiol compounds to form stable aggregate particles before final application. This pre-organization of components into stable aggregates eliminates the need for harsh processing conditions during subsequent manufacturing steps, as the stable structure is already established.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If quantum dots are aggregated with polyvalent metal compounds and thiol compounds, then stability and heat stability are enhanced, but particle size control is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical stability of quantum dotsVSAvoidparticle size distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies parameter changes by controlling the size of quantum dot aggregate particles within a specific range (30 nm to 6 μm). This parameter control achieves optimal balance between stability enhancement through aggregation and maintaining appropriate optical and processing properties. The aggregate size parameter is tuned to prevent excessive aggregation while ensuring sufficient stability improvement.

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 quantum dot aggregate particle exhibits enhanced stability, heat stability, and chemical stability, preventing deterioration of quantum dot properties when exposed to external environments, while allowing for controlled particle size and simple production processes.

Implementation Method 1

At least two quantum dots of the plurality of quantum dots may be linked to each other by the polyvalent metal compound, the thiol compound or both

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoordination bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3321340B1Quantum dot aggregate particles, production methods thereof, and compositions and electronic devices including the same
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3321340B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3321340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3321340B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A quantum dot aggregate particle including a plurality of quantum dots, a polyvalent metal compound, and a thiol compound having at least two thiol groups at its end terminals, wherein a size of the quantum dot aggregate particle is in a range from about 20 nanometers to 10 micrometers.