Tri-State Phase Control in Hydrogenated Transition Metal Oxides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for hydrogen-containing transition metal oxides are limited to regulating between two phases and do not allow for tri-state phase transformations, nor can they be controlled by an electric field to achieve such transformations.

Innovation Solution

A method involving hydrogen-containing transition metal oxides with specific structural formulas, soaked in ionic liquids that can decompose into hydrogen and oxygen ions under an electric field, allowing for phase transformations through applied gating voltages to achieve three distinct phases with different lattice volumes and properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional hydrogenation or thermal oxidation methods are used, then phase transformation between two phases can be achieved, but tri-state phase transformation cannot be realized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase transformation statesVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the oxidation state of transition metal oxides through electrochemical methods. By adjusting the applied voltage and controlling the insertion/extraction of hydrogen and oxygen ions, the system can transition between three distinct phases (reduced, oxidized, and intermediate states), thereby achieving tri-state phase transformation through parameter control rather than complex mechanical mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an electrochemical cell with electrolyte as an intermediary medium to enable phase transformation. The electrolyte facilitates the insertion and extraction of ions (H+, O2-) into and from the transition metal oxide lattice, serving as a mediator that allows controlled transition between three phases without direct chemical reaction or complex thermal processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If thermal methods are used for hydrogenation, then lattice structure changes occur, but electric field control is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol methodVSAvoidoperating temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal mechanical processing with an electrochemical system controlled by electric fields. Instead of using high-temperature thermal methods to induce phase transformation, the invention applies voltage to drive ion insertion/extraction reactions, substituting thermal energy with electrical energy for more precise and controllable phase transformation at lower temperatures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from temperature (thermal methods) to voltage (electrical field). By controlling the applied voltage magnitude and polarity, the system can precisely regulate the degree of ion insertion/extraction, enabling reversible transitions between three phases at room temperature or low temperatures, thus improving ease of operation while reducing temperature requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If hydrogen insertion is performed to expand lattice volume, then structural phase changes occur, but simultaneous regulation of electrical, optical, and magnetic properties is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproperty regulationVSAvoidion concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by using a single electrochemical mechanism (ion insertion/extraction) to simultaneously control multiple properties. The same process that changes lattice volume and crystal structure also modifies electrical conductivity, optical absorption, and magnetic characteristics of the transition metal oxide, allowing one system to perform multiple functions through unified control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes in ion concentration (controlled by applied voltage) to simultaneously regulate multiple physical properties. By adjusting the voltage to control the amount of H+ and O2- ions in the lattice, the system concurrently modifies structural, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties, achieving versatile property regulation through a single controllable parameter

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

Enables electric field-controlled tri-state phase transformations at room temperature, simultaneously regulating electrical, optical, and magnetic properties, achieving metal-insulator transformations, electrochromic effects, and tri-state magnetoelectric coupling, deepening understanding of ionic storage and transportation and enabling novel crystal structure designs.

Implementation Method 1

water in the first ionic liquid is capable of being decomposed into hydrogen ions and oxygen ions under an action of an electric field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

applying an electric field to the transition metal oxide to cause the hydrogen ions in the second ionic liquid to insert into the transition metal oxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon insertion: Ion Implantation

Data Source

PatentEP3547381B1Regulation and control method of phase change of hydrogen-containing transition metal oxide
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
  • EP3547381B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3547381B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2f
  • EP3547381B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4

AI summary

A method for regulating a phase transformation of a hydrogen-containing transition metal oxide comprises steps of: S100, providing a hydrogen-containing transition metal oxide having a structural formula of ABOxHy, wherein the hydrogen-containing transition metal oxide is in form of a first phase, A is one or more of alkaline earth metal elements and rare-earth metal elements, B is one or more of transition metal elements, x is a numeric value in a range of 1 to 3, and y is a numeric value in a range of 0 to 2.5; S200, soaking the hydrogen-containing transition metal oxide with a first ionic liquid capable of providing hydrogen ions and oxygen ions; and S300, applying a gating voltage to the hydrogen-containing transition metal oxide with the first ionic liquid as a gate to regulate the phase transformation of the hydrogen-containing transition metal oxide.