Bi-Metallic Rare Earth Oxide Clusters for Fast Electron Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to develop lanthanide oxide-based materials with diverse functions and properties for biomedical applications, leveraging their catalytic traits and oxygen mobility.

Innovation Solution

The synthesis of bi-metallic nano rare earth oxide particles with multi-metal clustering, incorporating transition metals like Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, or Cd, which create asymmetric oxygen vacancies and facilitate faster electron transport for enhanced catalytic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If single-phase cerium oxide is used, then the material has good catalytic activity and oxygen mobility, but the catalytic performance and functional diversity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalytic performanceVSAvoidfunctional diversity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by creating bi-metallic nano-rare earth oxide particles containing cerium oxide combined with transition metals (such as Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co). This composite structure leverages the high oxygen mobility and redox activity of cerium oxide while incorporating the catalytic properties of transition metals, thereby enhancing both catalytic performance and functional diversity for biomedical applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Speed

If multi-metal clustering is introduced to enhance catalytic performance, then electron transport speed increases, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectron transport speedVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating multi-metal clustering where transition metals are localized at specific regions within the nano-rare earth oxide particles. This localized distribution of metals (such as Fe, Cu, Zn) creates asymmetric oxygen vacancies and facilitates fast electron transport pathways without requiring uniform distribution of all metals throughout the entire structure, thus managing structural complexity while maintaining high electron transport speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If bi-metallic components are added to create asymmetric oxygen vacancies, then redox reaction activity increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveredox reaction activityVSAvoidcomposition control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the composition ratios of cerium oxide and transition metals (such as Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co) within specific ranges to optimize redox reaction activity. By controlling these compositional parameters and utilizing wet chemical synthesis methods, the patent achieves asymmetric oxygen vacancies and enhanced catalytic performance while managing the precision requirements through established synthesis protocols.

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 bi-metallic nano rare earth oxide particles exhibit superior catalytic performance and antimicrobial activity due to mixed valence states and redox reactions, enabling faster electron transfer and generation of reactive oxygen species.

Implementation Method 1

The bi-metallic nano rare earth oxide particles exhibit superior catalytic performance and antimicrobial activity due to mixed valence states and redox reactions, enabling faster electron transfer and generation of reactive oxygen species.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

which create asymmetric oxygen vacancies and facilitate faster electron transport for enhanced catalytic performance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectron transport: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

Cerium exists in both trivalent state (+3) and tetravalent (+4) state and may switch between the two in reduction and oxidation reactions.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 4

cerium (IV) oxide (CeO2) (also referred to as ceria) can be used in catalytic converters for reducing carbon monoxide emissions in exhaust gases from motor vehicles.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250368526A1Bi-Metallic Rare Earth Oxide Nanomaterials
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC
  • US20250368526A1 patent drawing
  • US20250368526A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are nanomaterials that are comprised of RxOyM1M2 clusters, where R is one or more lanthanides selected from La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb or Lu, wherein O is oxygen and where M1 and M2 are metallic components selected from Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, or Cd, or a metal oxide of the foregoing transition metals.