Selective Dissolution Chemical Mapping via Solvent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical imaging methods, such as IR microscopy, Raman microscopy, and Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy, have limitations in scale, information capacity, environmental adaptability, and sensitivity, particularly for components at low concentrations, and cannot be used with chromatography.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method combining microscopy with solvent delivery, temperature control, and solvent composition management to selectively dissolve sample components, allowing for simultaneous analysis of multiple components and correlation of dissolution kinetics with analytical data to create spatial distribution maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional chemical imaging methods (IR microscopy, Raman microscopy, SIMS) are used, then chemical information can be obtained, but the scale of scrutiny is limited and sensitivity for low concentration components is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines microscopy with chromatography in a single integrated system. The microscopy component provides spatial resolution and visualizes sample domains, while the chromatography component separates and detects chemical components with high sensitivity. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of spatial and chemical concentration information, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and sensitivity for low concentration components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solvent delivery system as an intermediary between the sample and detection methods. The solvent selectively dissolves sample components, creating solutions that are then analyzed by chromatography. This intermediary process enables the extraction and concentration of low abundance components, significantly improving detection sensitivity while the microscopy tracks the dissolution process spatially.
2Measurement precision
If conventional chemical imaging methods are used, then chemical analysis is provided, but the types of environment in which the sample can be placed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that can operate in multiple environments. The microscopy-chromatography apparatus can analyze samples in various states (solid, liquid, vapor) and under different conditions (different temperatures, solvent systems). The solvent delivery system can be adjusted to accommodate different sample types and environmental requirements, making the system universally applicable across diverse analytical scenarios.
3Loss of information
If conventional chemical imaging methods are used, then information is provided, but the amount of information is limited and cannot be used with chromatography
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges microscopy and chromatography into an integrated system where both techniques work synergistically. The microscopy provides spatial distribution information and domain characterization, while chromatography provides detailed chemical composition and concentration data. The combination delivers comprehensive information that neither technique could provide alone, including spatial mapping coupled with chromatographic separation and detection of multiple components simultaneously.
4Measurement precision
If selective dissolution is implemented with solvent delivery, then chemical mapping capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analytical system into distinct functional modules: a microscopy module for spatial observation, a solvent delivery module for selective dissolution, and a chromatography module for chemical analysis. Each module can be independently optimized and controlled. The solvent delivery system is further segmented into multiple channels that can be independently programmed to deliver different solvents to different sample regions, enabling complex chemical mapping while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
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
Enables detailed chemical composition mapping and component localization at the nanoscale, overcoming limitations of existing methods by providing multiple types of analysis, including chromatography, and improving sensitivity and discrimination between phases.
Implementation Method 1
conveying a solvent to the sample so that it can dissolve parts of the sample
Implementation Method 2
causing the fluid or at least one of the fluids to be a vapor so that capillary forces, where the tip touches the sample, cause the vapor to condense in a way that is localized at the tip
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method of analysis including at least one microscope means operable to characterize the surface of a sample in use, at least a first conduit to convey one or more solvents to the sample and a further conduit to convey at least part of the solution from the sample. At least one pump means delivers solvent to the sample and/or removes solution from the same.