Acid Stabilization of Quantum Dot-Resin Premixes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quantum dots in colloidal suspensions face issues with ligand diffusion leading to property changes, solvent hazards, agglomeration, and interference with polymer curing, necessitating improved stability and optical properties in quantum dot films.
Innovation Solution
A nanostructure composition comprising populations of nanostructures with ligands like amines, thiols, or cyano functional groups, combined with organic resins such as acrylates or thiol-functional compounds, stabilized with additives like acids or ionic liquids to prevent base-catalyzed reactions and maintain stability for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If quantum dots are delivered as a colloidal suspension in an organic solvent, then the quantum dots can be easily transported and stored, but the ligands on the quantum dot surfaces diffuse in the solvent causing property changes over time and the solvent creates fire and health hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the quantum dot formulation from a liquid colloidal suspension to a solid free-flowing powder by removing the solvent. This parameter change eliminates solvent-related hazards and ligand diffusion while maintaining ease of handling through controlled flow properties of the powder formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the organic solvent from the quantum dot colloidal suspension, leaving behind a solvent-free powder formulation. This extraction eliminates the harmful solvent while preserving the quantum dot properties through proper ligand engineering.
2Ease of operation
If quantum dots are delivered as a colloidal suspension in an organic solvent, then the quantum dots can be easily transported and stored, but the solvent interferes with the curing properties of the final polymer matrix
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the organic solvent from the quantum dot formulation through solvent exchange processes, replacing it with a compatible dispersant that does not interfere with polymer curing. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect on curing while maintaining ease of handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the formulation from solvent-based to a solid powder or alternative dispersant system, fundamentally altering the physical state and chemical composition to eliminate interference with polymer curing mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If quantum dots are stored in solvent, then they can be maintained in a dispersed state, but the particles have a higher tendency to irreversibly agglomerate and change properties over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the formulation from a liquid suspension to a solid powder or alternative stable dispersal system. This parameter change fundamentally alters the stability mechanism, preventing irreversible agglomeration through proper surface ligand engineering and alternative dispersant selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the organic solvent that causes irreversible agglomeration and replaces it with a benign alternative or complete dry powder formulation, thereby extending shelf-life while maintaining dispersed state through different mechanisms.
4Reliability
If quantum dots contain ligands such as amines, then the ligands provide necessary surface passivation, but the ligands act as a base causing base-catalyzed reactions with optical resins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acid stabilization additive as an intermediary substance that neutralizes the basic ligands on the quantum dot surface. This intermediary allows the quantum dots to maintain their surface passivation while preventing base-catalyzed reactions with the optical resin matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies acid stabilization additives in advance to counteract the basic properties of the ligands before they can cause harmful base-catalyzed reactions with the resin. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect while preserving the beneficial surface passivation.
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 enhanced stability and improved optical properties for quantum dot films, preventing agglomeration and solvent-related issues, ensuring consistent performance and safety in processing and storage.
Implementation Method 1
Many optical resins of interest, such as acrylates, methacrylates, thiol-enes, and thiol-acrylates are vulnerable to uncontrollable polymerization and/or other side reactions in the presence of a base via base-catalyzed Michael addition or direct Michael addition.
Implementation Method 2
quantum dots often require the presence of ligands on the quantum dot surfaces for maintaining the optical properties and structural integrity of the quantum dots. However, the ligands present on the quantum dot surfaces can diffuse in a solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides nanostructure compositions and methods of producing nanostructure compositions. The nanostructure compositions comprise a population of nanostructures, a stabilization additive, and an organic resin. The present invention also provides nanostructure films comprising a nanostructure layer and methods of making nanostructure films.