Upconversion Silica Particles for NIR Solar Energy Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photocatalytic systems are limited by the inability to effectively utilize near-infrared (NIR) light for single electron transfer, as most photocatalysts require UV or visible light to transition to an excited state, thereby wasting half of the energy from solar radiation.
Innovation Solution
The development of silica particles incorporating light upconversion molecules, such as molecular sensitizers and annihilators, which can convert low-energy NIR photons into higher-energy visible photons through triplet fusion, enabling the activation of photocatalysts that require visible light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional photocatalysts are used, then they can be excited by UV or visible light, but they cannot utilize NIR light which wastes half of solar radiation energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a sensitizer and an annihilator that mediates between NIR light and the photocatalyst. The sensitizer absorbs NIR photons and transfers energy to the annihilator, which then activates the photocatalyst. This intermediary mechanism enables indirect energy transfer from NIR light to the photocatalyst, resolving the contradiction between utilizing solar energy and the photocatalyst's light absorption limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy parameter by using triplet fusion upconversion to transform low-energy NIR photons into higher-energy visible photons. The sensitizer absorbs NIR light (lower energy) and through triplet fusion generates excited states that can activate photocatalysts requiring visible light (higher energy). This parameter transformation enables the system to utilize the full solar spectrum including NIR region.
2Adaptability or versatility
If triplet fusion upconversion is used to convert NIR to visible light, then photocatalyst activation is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensitizer and annihilator into a single integrated system where both components are present in the same reaction environment. The sensitizer and annihilator work together as a coupled system to achieve triplet fusion upconversion. This merging approach, while adding components, creates a unified functional unit that simplifies the overall system architecture compared to separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensitizer and annihilator system provides multi-functionality by enabling the activation of various photocatalysts that would otherwise be inactive under NIR light. The system can work with different photocatalyst types (organic dyes, transition metal complexes) that require visible light activation. This universal applicability across different photocatalyst systems justifies the added complexity by providing broad functionality.
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
This approach allows for the efficient harnessing of NIR solar radiation for photoredox reactions, effectively utilizing otherwise wasted energy and enhancing the efficacy of photocatalytic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The light upconversion molecules can include molecular sensitizers and/or molecular annihilators... convert low-energy NIR photons into higher-energy visible photons through triplet fusion
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 composition and the article of manufacture include a silica particle and light upconversion molecules incorporated into the silica particle. The method includes obtaining sidechain-modified light upconversion molecules, and incorporating the sidechain-modified light upconversion molecules into a silica particle to form a light upconversion particle.