Light Upconversion Microcapsule Shells for Photocatalyst Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photocatalysts require UV or visible light to transition to an excited state for single electron transfer, limiting the efficacy of photocatalyzed reactions as only half of solar radiation energy is utilized, and existing techniques lack effective methods for packaging and incorporating NIR-to-visible light upconversion materials into reaction environments.
Innovation Solution
Development of microcapsules with a polymer shell incorporating light upconversion molecules, including molecular sensitizers and annihilators, which can absorb NIR light and emit visible light, enabling the activation of photocatalysts through triplet fusion upconversion, and these microcapsules can be formed with sidechain-modified molecules that enhance solubility and binding capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If UV or visible light is used to excite photocatalysts, then single electron transfer can occur, but only half of solar radiation energy is utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an upconversion material as an intermediary substance that absorbs low-energy NIR light and converts it to high-energy visible light, enabling photocatalysts to utilize a broader spectrum of solar radiation and improve overall energy utilization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter by using upconversion materials to transform the energy wavelength from NIR to visible range, allowing photocatalysts to access additional energy sources from solar radiation that would otherwise be unavailable
2Adaptability or versatility
If upconversion materials are incorporated into reaction environments, then NIR-to-visible light conversion can occur, but effective packaging and incorporation methods are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds upconversion materials within the polymer shell structure of microcapsules, creating a nested configuration where the upconversion material is integrated into the encapsulating structure, simplifying the overall packaging approach while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite microcapsule structures combining polymer shells with embedded upconversion materials, achieving both structural integrity and optical functionality through material composition rather than complex assembly
3Power
If light upconversion molecules are incorporated into polymer shells, then NIR light can be converted to visible light for photocatalyst activation, but the complexity of incorporating these molecules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates upconversion molecules into the polymer shell during the shell formation process rather than adding them separately afterward, performing the incorporation action in advance to simplify the overall process and reduce subsequent complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the upconversion functionality with the polymer shell structure by incorporating upconversion molecules directly into the shell matrix, combining two functions (structural encapsulation and optical conversion) into a single integrated component
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 microcapsules facilitate the harnessing of NIR solar radiation for photoredox reactions by generating visible light, increasing the energy availability for photocatalytic conversion and improving the efficiency of photocatalytic systems by integrating light upconversion molecules into reaction environments.
Implementation Method 1
light upconversion molecules, including molecular sensitizers and annihilators, which can absorb NIR light and emit visible light, enabling the activation of photocatalysts through triplet fusion upconversion
Implementation Method 2
The photocatalyst can carry out this electron transfer when in an excited state caused by absorption of a photon
Data Source
AI summary
A composition, method, and article of manufacture are disclosed. The microcapsule includes a polymer shell encapsulating a core component. The polymer shell includes light upconversion molecules. The article of manufacture includes the microcapsule. The method includes obtaining light upconversion molecules having sidechains with reactive functional groups, and forming a microcapsule. The microcapsule includes a polymer shell encapsulating a core component. The polymer shell includes light upconversion molecules. The article of manufacture includes the microcapsule.