Synthesis of LiDAR-Detectable True Black Core/Shell Nanomaterial and Its Practical Use in LiDAR Applications

• Published in: Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2022-10, Vol.12 (20), p.3689
• Main Authors: Jekal, Suk, Kim, Jiwon, Kim, Dong-Hyun, Noh, Jungchul, Kim, Min-Jeong, Kim, Ha-Yeong, Kim, Min-Sang, Oh, Won-Chun, Yoon, Chang-Min
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alcohol; Analysis; autonomous vehicle; Autonomous vehicles; blackness; Chemical synthesis; Core-shell particles; Core-shell structure; core/shell; Electromagnetic absorption; Ethanol; Glass substrates; Identification and classification; Infrared lasers; Lidar; LiDAR black; LiDAR-detectable; Metal oxides; Metals; Methods; Microscopy; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Near infrared radiation; NIR-reflective; Optical radar; Properties; Protective coatings; Sensors; Silica; Silicon dioxide; Sol-gel processes; Spectrum analysis; Titanium; Titanium dioxide; Toxicity
• ISSN: 2079-4991; 2079-4991
• DOI: 10.3390/nano12203689

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors utilize a near-infrared (NIR) laser with a wavelength of 905 nm. However, LiDAR sensors have weakness in detecting black or dark-tone materials with light-absorbing properties. In this study, SiO2/black TiO2 core/shell nanoparticles (SBT CSNs) were designed as LiDAR-detectable black materials. The SBT CSNs, with sizes of 140, 170, and 200 nm, were fabricated by a series of Stöber, TTIP sol-gel, and modified NaBH4 reduction methods. These SBT CSNs are detectable by a LiDAR sensor and, owing to their core/shell structure with intrapores on the shell (ca. 2−6 nm), they can effectively function as both color and NIR-reflective materials. Moreover, the LiDAR-detectable SBT CSNs exhibited high NIR reflectance (28.2 R%) in a monolayer system and true blackness (L* < 20), along with ecofriendliness and hydrophilicity, making them highly suitable for use in autonomous vehicles.