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US6139626A
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Three-dimensionally patterned materials and methods for manufacturing same using nanocrystals
Assignee: NEC Corp
•
Filing: 1998-09-04
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Granted: 2000-10-31
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Expires: 2018-09-04
Abstract
Abstract A method for patterning materials according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, as well as patterned materials produced by said methods, are provided. A template is prepared comprising a template material, the template having a plurality of pores therein, the plurality of pores comprising a negative of the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern. Colloidal nanocrystals sufficient to fill the pores in the template are also prepared. The pores in the template are filled with the colloidal nanocrystals. A quantum-dot solid is formed from the colloidal nanocrystals within the pores in the template, such that the colloidal nanocrystals are concentrated as close-packed nanocrystals within the pores in the template in the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern. If desired, a conventional solid may be obtained by sintering the close-packed nanocrystals within the pores of the template.
Inventors
- 👤 David J. Norris
- 👤 Yurii A. Vlasov
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 21:59
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/10; G02B6/12; G02B6/122; G02B6/1225; B; B82; B82Y; B82Y20/00; C; C30; C30B; C30B29/00; C30B29/60; C30B29/605; C30B5/00; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/25
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 90
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for patterning a quantum-dot solid according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a template comprising a template material, the template having a plurality of pores therein, the plurality of pores comprising a negative of the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern; (b) preparing nanocrystals sufficient to fill the pores in the template, wherein the pores in the template are larger than the nanocrystals; (c) filling the pores in the template with the nanocrystals; and (d) forming a quantum-dot solid from the nanocrystals within the pores in the template, such that the nanocrystals are concentrated as close-packed nanocrystals within the pores in the template in the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
114 words
A method for patterning a quantum-dot solid according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a template comprising a template material, the template having a plurality of pores therein, the plurality of pores comprising a negative of the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern; (b) preparing nanocrystals sufficient to fill the pores in the template, wherein the pores in the template are larger than the nanocrystals; (c) filling the pores in the template with the nanocrystals; and (d) forming a quantum-dot solid from the nanocrystals within the pores in the template, such that the nanocrystals are concentrated as close-packed nanocrystals within the pores in the template in the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the nanocrystals are colloidal nanocrystals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the pores in the template are contiguous.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) is a self-assembly process that automatically establishes the negative of the predetermined three-dimensional pattern in the template.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the template material is comprised of silica.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the template material is comprised of synthetic opal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the nanocrystals are colloidal nanocrystals, and wherein step (b) includes the sub-step of: (b-1) dispersing the colloidal nanocrystals in at least one solvent which is unreactive with respect to the template to provide a colloidal nanocrystal solution for filling the pores in the template in step (c).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the proportions of the colloidal nanocrystals and the at least one solvent are selected so that there is a sufficient quantity of nanocrystals to completely fill the pores in the template after step (d) is performed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one solvent permits the colloidal nanocrystal solution to destabilize slowly over time.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 7, wherein step (b) further includes the sub-step of: (b-2) adding a surface cap to the at least one solvent in which the colloidal nanocrystals are dispersed, whereby the colloidal nanocrystals are stabilized by the surface cap in the at least one solvent, and the colloidal nanocrystals are prevented from agglomerating prior to step (c).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the surface cap is a surfactant.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the surface cap is selected from the group consisting of trialkyl phosphines and trialkyl phosphine oxides.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of removing the surface cap from the close-packed nanocrystals after step (d), whereby the close-packed nanocrystals are in direct contact with one another but are not fused to one another.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 7, wherein step (c) includes the sub-step of: (c-1) immersing the template in the colloidal nanocrystal solution so that the colloidal nanocrystal solution infiltrates the pores in the template so as to fill the pores in the template with the colloidal nanocrystals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 14, wherein step (d) includes the sub-step of: (d-1) evaporating the at least one solvent in the colloidal nanocrystal solution to form the quantum-dot solid.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one solvent is evaporated at a rate which yields a glassy quantum-dot solid.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one solvent is evaporated at a rate which yields a crystalline quantum-dot solid.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the nanocrystals have diameters between about 1 nm and about 50 nm.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the nanocrystals are selected from the group consisting of: (i) group I-VII materials; (ii) group II-VI materials; (iii) group III-V materials; (iv) group IV materials; (v) metals; and (vi) metal oxides.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the group I-VII materials are selected from the group consisting of CuCl, AgBr, and NaCl.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the group II-VI materials are selected from the group consisting of ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, and alloys of these materials.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the group III-V materials are selected from the group consisting of GaP, GaAs, InP, InAs, InSb, and alloys of these materials.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the group IV materials are selected from the group consisting of C, Si, Ge, and alloys of these materials.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the metals are selected from the group consisting of Ni, Cu, Ag, Pt, and Au.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 19, wherein the metal oxides are selected from the group consisting of silica, titania, alumina, and zirconia.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the quantum-dot solid is supported by the template.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
A quantum-dot solid patterned according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, manufactured according to the method of claim 1.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: (e) removing the template, such that a plurality of voids are provided in the quantum-dot solid in positions which were occupied by the template prior to the removal of the template, wherein the quantum-dot solid is self-supporting.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
A quantum-dot solid patterned according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, manufactured according to the method of claim 28.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 28 wherein step (e) includes the sub-step of: (e-1) immersing the template in a template-selective etchant.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of: (f) refilling the voids with a supporting material.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
A quantum-dot solid patterned according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, manufactured according to the method of claim 31.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the supporting material has a melting point which is lower than that of the close-packed nanocrystals, and wherein the refilling step (f) further comprises the sub-steps of: (f-1) melting the supporting material so that the supporting material is liquefied; (f-2) infiltrating the voids in the quantum-dot solid with the liquefied supporting material; and (f-3) solidifying the liquefied supporting material within the voids in the quantum-dot solid.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the supporting material is a polymer having an index of refraction that is lower than that of the close-packed nanocrystals.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for patterning a conventional solid according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a template comprising a template material, the template having a plurality of pores therein, the plurality of pores comprising a negative of the predetermined three-dimensional pattern; (b) preparing nanocrystals sufficient to fill the pores in the template, wherein the pores in the template are larger than the nanocrystals; (c) filling the pores in the template with the nanocrystals; (d) forming a quantum-dot solid from the nanocrystals within the pores in the template, such that the nanocrystals are concentrated as close-packed nanocrystals within the pores in the template in the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern; and (e) sintering the close-packed nanocrystals within the pores in the template.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
125 words
A method for patterning a conventional solid according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a template comprising a template material, the template having a plurality of pores therein, the plurality of pores comprising a negative of the predetermined three-dimensional pattern; (b) preparing nanocrystals sufficient to fill the pores in the template, wherein the pores in the template are larger than the nanocrystals; (c) filling the pores in the template with the nanocrystals; (d) forming a quantum-dot solid from the nanocrystals within the pores in the template, such that the nanocrystals are concentrated as close-packed nanocrystals within the pores in the template in the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern; and (e) sintering the close-packed nanocrystals within the pores in the template.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the nanocrystals are colloidal nanocrystals.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the pores in the template are contiguous.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 35, wherein step (a) is a self-assembly process that automatically establishes the negative of the predetermined three-dimensional pattern in the template.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the template material is comprised of silica.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the template material is comprised of synthetic opal.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the close-packed nanocrystals have a melting point that is lower than a melting point of the template material.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the nanocrystals are colloidal nanocrystals, and wherein step (b) includes the sub-step of: (b-1) dispersing the colloidal nanocrystals in at least one solvent which is unreactive with respect to the template to provide a colloidal nanocrystal solution for filling the pores in the template in step (c).
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 42, wherein the proportions of the colloidal nanocrystals and the at least one solvent are selected so that there is a sufficient quantity of nanocrystals to completely fill the pores in the template after step (d) is performed.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 42, wherein the at least one solvent permits the colloidal nanocrystal solution to destabilize slowly over time.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 42, wherein step (b) further includes the sub-step of: (b-2) adding a surface cap to the at least one solvent in which the colloidal nanocrystals are dispersed, whereby the colloidal nanocrystals are stabilized by the surface cap in the at least one solvent, and the colloidal nanocrystals are prevented from agglomerating prior to step (c).
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 45, wherein the surface cap is a surfactant.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 45, wherein the surface cap is selected from the group consisting of trialkyl phosphines and trialkyl phosphine oxides.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 45, further comprising the step of removing the surface cap from the close-packed nanocrystals after step (d) and before step (e), whereby the surface cap is removed prior to sintering the quantum-dot solid.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 42, wherein step (c) includes the sub-step of: (c-1) immersing the template in the colloidal nanocrystal solution so that the colloidal nanocrystal solution infiltrates the pores in the template so as to fill the pores in the template with the colloidal nanocrystals.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 49, wherein step (d) includes the sub-step of: (d-1) evaporating the at least one solvent in the colloidal nanocrystal solution to form the quantum-dot solid.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the nanocrystals have diameters between about 1 nm and about 50 nm.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the nanocrystals are selected from the group consisting of: (i) group I-VII materials; (ii) group II-VI materials; (iii) group III-V materials; (iv) group IV materials; (v) metals; and (vi) metal oxides.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 52, wherein the group I-VII materials are selected from the group consisting of CuCl, AgBr, and NaCl.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 52, wherein the group II-VI materials are selected from the group consisting of ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, and alloys of these materials.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 52, wherein the group III-V materials are selected from the group consisting of GaP, GaAs, InP, InAs, InSb, and alloys of these materials.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 52, wherein the group IV materials are selected from the group consisting of C, Si, Ge, and alloys of these materials.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 52, wherein the metals are selected from the group consisting of Ni, Cu, Ag, Pt, and Au.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 52, wherein the met al oxide s are selected from the group consisting of silica, titania, alumina, and zirconia.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 35, wherein the conventional solid is supported by the template.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of: (f) removing the template, such that a plurality of voids are provided in the conventional solid in positions which were occupied by the template prior to the removal of the template, wherein the conventional solid is self-supporting.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 60, wherein step (f) includes the sub-step of: (f-1) immersing the template in a template-selective etchant.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 60, further comprising the step of: (g) refilling the voids with a supporting material.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 62, wherein the supporting material has a melting point which is lower than that of the conventional solid, and wherein the refilling step (g) further comprises the sub-steps of: (g-1) melting the supporting material so that the supporting material is liquefied; (g-2) infiltrating the voids in the conventional solid with the liquefied supporting material; and (g-3) solidifying the liquefied supporting material within the voids in the conventional solid.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 62, wherein the supporting material is a polymer having an index of refraction that is lower than that of the conventional solid.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
39 words
A three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid, comprising close-packed nanocrystals configured according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, wherein the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern includes regions which are occupied by the close-packed nanocrystals and regions which are not occupied by the close-packed nanocrystals.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
39 words
A three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid, comprising close-packed nanocrystals configured according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, wherein the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern includes regions which are occupied by the close-packed nanocrystals and regions which are not occupied by the close-packed nanocrystals.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
20 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 65, wherein the regions which are occupied by the close-packed nanocrystals are contiguous.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
25 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 65, wherein the close-packed nanocrystals are arranged with long-range order so as to form a crystalline quantum-dot solid.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
25 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 65, wherein the close-packed nanocrystals are arranged with short-range order so as to form a glassy quantum-dot solid.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
21 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 65, wherein the nanocrystals have diameters between about 1 nm and about 50 nm.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
40 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 65, wherein the nanocrystals are selected from the group consisting of: (i) group I-VII materials; (ii) group II-VI materials; (iii) group III-V materials; (iv) group IV materials; (v) metals; and (vi) metal oxides.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
24 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 70, wherein the group I-VII materials are selected from the group consisting of CuCl, AgBr, and NaCl.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
35 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 70, wherein the group II-VI materials are selected from the group consisting of ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, HgS, HgSe, HgTe, and alloys of these materials.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
30 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 70, wherein the group III-V materials are selected from the group consisting of GaP, GaAs, InP, InAs, InSb, and alloys of these materials.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
28 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 70, wherein the group IV materials are selected from the group consisting of C, Si, Ge, and alloys of these materials.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
24 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 70, wherein the metals are selected from the group consisting of Ni, Cu, Ag, Pt, and Au.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 70, wherein the metal oxides are selected from the group consisting of silica, titania, alumina, and zirconia.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
30 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 65, further comprising a plurality of surface cap molecules, each of the close-packed nanocrystals being bound to at least one surface cap molecule.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
15 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 77, wherein the surface cap molecules are surfactant.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
26 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 77, wherein the surface cap molecules are selected from the group consisting of trialkyl phosphines and trialkyl phosphine oxides.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
34 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 65, in which the surface cap molecules are removed and the close-packed nanocrystals are in direct contact with on another, but are not fused to one another.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
39 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 65, further comprising a template comprising template material supporting the quantum-dot solid, wherein the template material occupies the regions of the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern which are not occupied by the quantum-dot solid.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
16 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 81, wherein the template material is comprised of silica.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
17 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 81, wherein the template material is comprised of synthetic opal.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
70 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 65, wherein the regions of the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern which are not occupied by the quantum-dot solid are occupied by one of a gas and a vacuum, whereby that the quantum-dot solid is self-supporting, and whereby a high contrast between the indices of refraction of the regions occupied by the close-packed nanocrystals and the regions not occupied by the close-packed nanocrystals is provided.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
13 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 84, therein the gas is air.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
29 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 65, wherein regions of the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern which are not occupied by the quantum-dot solid are occupied by a supporting material.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
29 words
The three-dimensionally patterned quantum-dot solid of claim 86, wherein the supporting material is a polymer having an index of refraction that is lower than that of the close-packed nanocrystals.
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