Zinc Oxide Nanocapsule Encapsulation via Etching and Regrowth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing organic/inorganic mixed films, such as the layered piling process, fail to effectively reduce volume and provide adequate protection against external invasions like water and oxygen, leading to altered properties and loss of design purposes.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the preparation of a Zinc oxide nanorod, etching it into a hollow nanotube, filling the tube with materials like luminescent or solar cell materials, and regrowing the nanotube to form a Zinc oxide nanocapsule, which encapsulates the material, using solutions like Zinc nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine to control the growth process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a layered piling process is used to manufacture organic/inorganic mixed films, then the film structure can be formed, but the volume cannot be effectively reduced and protection against external invasions is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume reductionVSAvoidprotection against external invasions

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by placing functional materials inside the hollow interior of the nanocapsule structure. The nanocapsule consists of an outer shell with an internal cavity that can accommodate luminescent materials, solar cell materials, or biomedical materials, creating a nested configuration where one structure is placed inside another. This nested design achieves both volume reduction by consolidating multiple components into a single capsule unit and provides reliable protection against external invasions by enclosing the sensitive materials within the protective nanocapsule shell.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If materials are exposed to water or oxygen in the environment, then the materials can be accessed and used, but their properties are altered and design purposes are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial accessibilityVSAvoidmaterial property stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs the flexible shell principle by utilizing the nanocapsule shell as a protective barrier. The shell is constructed to be sufficiently thin to allow for ease of operation and integration, yet sufficiently robust to provide effective protection against environmental factors such as water and oxygen. This thin-shell encapsulation maintains material accessibility for intended applications while preserving material property stability by preventing unwanted interactions with the external environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The nanocapsule creates an inert environment for the enclosed materials by isolating them from reactive atmospheric components. The sealed capsule interior establishes a protected zone that excludes water and oxygen, thereby maintaining the stability of material composition and preventing property alterations that would occur upon exposure to the external environment. This inert environment preservation allows materials to retain their designed properties while remaining accessible for their intended functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Volume of stationary object

If Zinc oxide nanotube is etched to form hollow structure, then encapsulation space is created, but structural strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencapsulation spaceVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the local quality principle by selectively etching specific regions of the Zinc oxide nanorod structure to create hollow spaces while preserving the structural integrity of the remaining walls. The etching process is localized to the interior regions, creating encapsulation space where needed, while the outer shell maintains sufficient thickness and strength to provide structural support. This localized modification approach ensures that the nanocapsule has both the required hollow volume for encapsulation and adequate structural strength for practical applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 oxide nanocapsule effectively protects enclosed materials from moisture and oxygen, preserving their properties for applications in optoelectronics and biomedicine by utilizing a non-toxic, low-cost, and abundant material.

Implementation Method 1

a step of etching the Zinc oxide nanorod to form a Zinc oxide nanotube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical etching:

Implementation Method 2

a step of regrowing the Zinc oxide nanotube to encapsulate the hollow tubular structure so as to form a Zinc oxide nanocapsule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystal growth: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentUS10662073B2Zinc oxide nanocapsule and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a Zinc oxide nanocapsule includes: a step of preparing a Zinc oxide narorod; a step of etching the Zinc oxide narorod to form a Zinc oxide nanotube, wherein the Zinc oxide nanotube is a hollow tubular structure; a step of filling a material into the Zinc oxide nanotube; and, a step of regrowing the Zinc oxide nanotube to encapsulate the hollow tubular structure so as to form a Zinc oxide nanocapsule. In addition, a zinc oxide nanocapsule is also provided.