Systems and methods for management of additives in electrochemical cells

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrochemical cell comprising a fuel electrode for oxidizing a fuel, an oxidant electrode for reducing an oxidant, and an ionically conductive medium for conducting ions between the fuel and oxidant electrodes to support electrochemical reactions at the fuel and oxidant electrodes. The ionically conductive medium comprises at least one active additive for enhancing (controlling the rate, overpotential and / or the reaction sites for) at least one electrochemical reaction within the cell. The cell further comprises an additive medium in contact with the ionically conductive medium and containing the at least one active additive capable of corroding or dissolving in the ionically conductive medium. The additive medium and / or casing is configured to release the active additive to the ionically conductive medium as a concentration of the active additive in the ionically conductive medium is depleted during operation of the cell.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 62 / 108,262, filed January 27, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field [0003] The present disclosure relates generally to electrochemical cells including electrolyte additives, and more particularly to systems and methods for managing additives in electrochemical cells. Background technique [0004] Electrochemical cells / batteries utilize electrolyte solutions as ion-conducting media. In electrochemical cells using metals as fuel, the metal fuel is oxidized to reducible metal fuel ions during discharge at the fuel electrode serving as the anode. During charging, the reducible metal fuel ions are reduced to metal fuel at the fuel electrode, which now serves as the cathode. In this process, the metal fuel is plated on the fuel electrode by electrodeposition. [0005] Various additives can be added to the electrolyt...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, in the absence of persistence, additives can be consumed through various mechanisms during the life of the battery, which translates into limitations in battery efficiency and lifetime.

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