Quantum Dot Surface Stabilization via Metal Thiolate Complexes

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved process stability in preparing quantum dot composites for electronic devices, as existing methods can lead to deterioration of the quantum dots' inherent luminous properties during mixing and fabrication processes.

Innovation Solution

A quantum dot composition is developed that includes a metal thiolate complex compound bound to the surface of the quantum dots, which provides improved stability and re-solubility, allowing for enhanced patterning and reduced viscosity changes, thereby maintaining the quantum dots' efficiency and stability during device production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mixing and fabrication processes are used to prepare quantum dot composites, then the quantum dots can be incorporated into the composite, but the inherent luminous properties of the quantum dots deteriorate during the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminous properties stabilityVSAvoidprocess stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the quantum dot surface with a metal thiolate complex compound before incorporating the quantum dots into the polymer composite. This pre-treatment stabilizes the quantum dot surface and prevents deterioration during subsequent mixing and fabrication processes, thereby preserving luminous properties while enabling conventional manufacturing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The metal thiolate complex compound serves as an intermediary between the quantum dot core and the polymer matrix. This intermediate layer protects the quantum dot surface from direct interaction with the polymer and processing conditions, maintaining luminous properties while allowing the quantum dots to be integrated into the composite structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If quantum dots are mixed with polymer materials during fabrication, then the composite can be formed, but the quantum dots aggregate and lose their efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposite formation efficiencyVSAvoidquantum dot efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface chemistry of the quantum dots through metal thiolate complex coating. This changes the surface properties to be more compatible with the polymer matrix, preventing aggregation during mixing and fabrication while maintaining the quantum dots' optical efficiency and enabling effective composite formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If heat treatment is applied to the quantum dot composite during device production, then the composite structure is stabilized, but the quantum dots' luminous properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposite structure stabilityVSAvoidluminous properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing the metal thiolate complex compound as a protective layer on the quantum dot surface before heat treatment. This protective layer acts as a cushion that absorbs or mitigates the harmful effects of heat treatment on the quantum dot structure, allowing the composite to be stabilized through heat treatment while preserving the quantum dots' luminous properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If the quantum dot composition is made more stable through additional compounds, then the luminous properties are maintained, but the composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess stabilityVSAvoidcomposition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The metal thiolate complex compound serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stabilizes the quantum dot surface, prevents aggregation during mixing, protects against heat treatment damage, and maintains luminous properties. This multi-functionality achieves improved process stability without requiring multiple separate additives or complex composition formulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 composition achieves improved chemical and thermal stability of quantum dots, maintaining their luminous properties and efficiency, even during heat-treatment processes, and allows for the production of large-sized patterns with reduced defects.

Implementation Method 1

a metal thiolate complex compound, and a solvent, wherein the metal thiolate complex compound may be bound to a surface of the quantum dot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoordination bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3480276B1Quantum dot composition, quantum dot polymer composite, and layered structures and electronic devices including the same

Publication Date: 2021.05.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

A quantum dot composition comprising a quantum dot, a metal thiolate complex compound, and a solvent, wherein the metal thiolate complex compound includes a hydrophobic moiety, a thioether moiety (-S-), and a polyvalent metal, and wherein the hydrophobic moiety includes a fluorinated organic group, a multi-aromatic ring-containing group having a backbone structure that includes a quaternary carbon atom, which is a part of a cyclic group, and two aromatic rings bound to the quaternary carbon atom, or a combination thereof.