Zinc Getter Nanoparticles on Metal Substrate for High-Temperature Vapor Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for capturing zinc vapors, particularly radioactive zinc, are not effective at high temperatures due to the thermal instability of materials used, which limits their efficiency in trapping zinc vapors.

Innovation Solution

A method involving zinc getter materials composed of nanoparticles and a metal substrate, where the nanoparticles provide a large surface area for trapping zinc vapors, with the nanoparticles being deposited or grown onto the substrate using various techniques, allowing for effective capture and retention of zinc even at high temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional materials are used to capture zinc vapors, then the method is simple, but the materials lack thermal stability at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidmaterial composition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials consisting of nanoparticles (such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum) deposited on a metal substrate. This composite structure combines the high thermal stability of the metal substrate with the high surface area and catalytic properties of the nanoparticles, enabling effective zinc vapor capture at high temperatures where conventional single materials fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The nanoparticle coating on the metal substrate creates a porous, high-surface-area structure that enhances zinc vapor adsorption. The nanoparticles provide numerous active sites for zinc capture, while the porous morphology increases the effective surface area available for interaction with zinc vapors, improving capture efficiency at elevated temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Productivity

If materials with high surface area are used to trap zinc vapors, then the trapping efficiency improves, but the thermal stability at high temperatures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezinc vapor capture efficiencyVSAvoidthermal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines materials with high surface area (nanoparticles) with a metal substrate that provides thermal stability. The nanoparticles (such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum) offer high surface area for zinc vapor capture, while the metal substrate (stainless steel, copper, bronze, or aluminum) maintains structural integrity and thermal stability at high temperatures, resolving the contradiction between capture efficiency and thermal reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different functional properties to different parts of the material system: the nanoparticle layer provides high surface area and catalytic activity for zinc vapor capture, while the metal substrate provides thermal stability and mechanical strength. This local differentiation of functional qualities allows the system to simultaneously achieve high capture efficiency and thermal stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Quantity of substance

If nanoparticles are deposited on substrate to increase surface area, then the zinc trapping capability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface area for zinc captureVSAvoidnanoparticle deposition process

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical nanoparticle deposition systems with chemical deposition methods. Nanoparticles are deposited onto the metal substrate through chemical processes such as reduction of metal salts in solution, allowing for straightforward application of the nanoparticle coating without requiring sophisticated equipment or complex manufacturing procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes readily available metal nanoparticles (gold, silver, copper, aluminum) that can be easily synthesized and deposited. These nanoparticles serve as effective catalysts for zinc vapor capture and can be applied through simple chemical deposition processes, avoiding the need for expensive or complex manufacturing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 zinc getter materials effectively capture and retain zinc vapors, with the nanoparticles increasing in size and weight after exposure, demonstrating enhanced stability and efficiency in trapping zinc, including radioactive isotopes like zinc-65, while preventing the formation of hydrides and other gases.

Implementation Method 1

The zinc getter material comprises nanoparticles and a metal substrate. The nanoparticles provide a large surface area for trapping zinc vapors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

contacting a zinc vapor with a zinc getter material... effectively capture and retain zinc vapors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS9700829B1Method of capturing or trapping zinc using zinc getter materials

Publication Date: 2017.07.11 BATTELLE SAVANNAH RIVER ALLIANCE LLC

AI summary

A method of trapping or capturing zinc is disclosed. In particular, the method comprises a step of contacting a zinc vapor with a zinc getter material. The zinc getter material comprises nanoparticles and a metal substrate.