Gas mitigation for battery systems

Abstract

The present disclosure provides "gas mitigation for battery systems". The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for hydrogen sulfide mitigation. One or more battery cells in a battery pack having sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery components are presented. The hydrogen sulfide gas precipitated due to exposure to moisture of the sulfur-based cathode is entirely hydrolyzed into sulfur dioxide and water, and the sulfur dioxide and water are released to the outside of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods for byproduct mitigation of batteries. Background Art

[0002] Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have promising theoretical specific energy and availability. However, a challenge associated with Li-S batteries is the potential formation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas when these batteries are exposed to water or moisture. This occurs due to the interaction between the sulfide-based solid-state electrolyte or sulfur cathode and moisture, leading to the generation of H2S. The release of H2S can potentially degrade the performance and lifespan of the battery system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cell is provided. The sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cell has a solid electrolyte sandwiched between an anode and a cathode. The battery cell also has a body configured to hydrolyze hydrogen sulfide gas precipitated due to exposure to moisture at the cathode into sulfur dioxide and water, and release the sulfur dioxide and water to the exterior of the battery cell. The body may include a plurality of channels extending therethrough. The channels within the plurality of channels may be arranged to allow gas to pass directly through a flow-through structure. The plurality of channels may be arranged to allow gas to pass through a porous wall in a wall-flow structure. The body may include a catalyst material. The body may include a plurality of channels extending therethrough coated with the catalyst material. The catalyst material may be Ni / Ce, Cu / zeolite, and Fe / zeolite, alone or in combination. The solid electrolyte may be an inorganic solid electrolyte, a solid polymer electrolyte, a composite polymer electrolyte, a sulfur-based solid electrolyte, or lithium.

[0004] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery cell is provided. The sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cell has a plurality of sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cells. The sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cell also has a whole body, which is configured to hydrolyze hydrogen sulfide gas precipitated due to exposure to moisture in the plurality of sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cells into sulfur dioxide and water, and release the sulfur dioxide and water to the outside of the battery pack. The whole body may include a plurality of channels extending therethrough. The channels may be arranged to allow gas to pass directly through in a flow-through structure. The channels may be arranged to allow gas to pass through a porous wall in a wall-flow structure. The whole body may include a catalyst material. The whole body may have a plurality of channels extending therethrough coated with the catalyst material. The catalyst material may be Ni / Ce, Cu / zeolite, and Fe / zeolite, alone or in combination. The solid electrolyte may be an inorganic solid electrolyte, a solid polymer electrolyte, a composite polymer electrolyte, a sulfur-based solid electrolyte, or lithium.

[0005] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided in which a first step is to direct hydrogen sulfide gas precipitated by exposure to moisture in a plurality of sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cells through channels within a monolith configured to hydrolyze the hydrogen sulfide gas into sulfur dioxide and water, and release the sulfur dioxide and water to the exterior of the plurality of sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cells. The channels within the monolith can be arranged in a flow-through configuration to allow the gas to pass directly through. The channels within the monolith can also be arranged in a wall-flow configuration to allow the gas to pass through porous walls. The directing step can include using a fan or pump to facilitate the flow of the hydrogen sulfide gas through the monolith. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a diagram of the experimental setup;

[0007] Figure 2A is a table of sensor readings for control samples;

[0008] Figure 2B is a graph of sensor readings for the control sample;

[0009] Figure 3A is a table of sensor readings for catalyst materials investigated for use with any one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 3B is a graph of sensor readings for catalyst materials investigated for use with any one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is an overall structure according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0014] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Embodiments are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and that other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art.

[0016] The various features shown and described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings may be combined with features shown in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments not explicitly shown or described. The combinations of features shown provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, for specific applications or implementations, various combinations and modifications of features may be desired consistent with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0017] Effective management of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas can improve the efficiency of battery systems, especially those utilizing lithium-sulfur technology. H2S, a potential byproduct generated by the interaction of sulfur-based battery components with moisture, poses a significant challenge to the performance and reliability of battery systems. In order to effectively mitigate any performance impact it may have on the battery, the use of catalytic materials has been proposed. Among these catalytic materials, Ni / Ce, Cu / zeolite, and Fe / zeolite have shown potential for use alone, in combination, or in combination with other catalysts due to their efficacy in absorbing and converting H2S gas.

[0018] A method for mitigating H2S within a battery pack using a monolithic catalytic converter is proposed. The catalyst can be positioned at the outlet of the battery pack to maximize exposure to released H2S gas during both normal operating conditions and other operating conditions. An exemplary structure of the monolithic catalyst can have multiple channels through which gas flows from an inlet to an outlet. This structure can promote direct contact between the flowing gas and the catalyst coated on the surface of the channels. A catalytic reaction occurs to convert H2S into hydrogen and sulfur. Incorporating the active material into the monolithic catalyst can be accomplished by coating the surface of a monolithic substrate, typically extruded from cordierite, or by mixing the active material with the substrate prior to extrusion, thereby creating a multi-channel monolithic structure.

[0019] In an effort to understand the efficiency and functionality of various catalysts in H2S absorption, a series of Figure 1 The experimental setup depicted in . This setup is designed to closely simulate the conditions under which these catalysts will operate within a battery environment, focusing on their ability to mitigate H2S emissions. The experiment utilizes a gas source to mix H2S with laboratory air, thereby delivering it through the reactor in an amount of 5 parts per million (ppm) and a flow rate of 1000 ml / min. The reactor, which has dimensions of 1 inch in diameter and length, is subjected to the gas mixture and then connected to a sensor designed to measure the H2S level emitted after the reactor interaction. The experimental setup also includes the use of a camera to continuously record the H2S sensor readings and the corresponding time, thereby enabling the construction of a H2S versus time curve for each test condition.

[0020] Before any catalyst material was introduced into the reactor, a background test was performed using a blank reactor setup to establish a baseline for H2S emissions. Separate tests were then performed for each of the selected catalyst materials: Ni / Ce, Cu / zeolite, and Fe / zeolite. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, findings from the background test showed H2S readings of 82.7 ppm and 83.3 ppm after 57 seconds and 47 seconds, respectively, indicating the presence of H2S in the absence of the catalyst. In contrast, implementation of the catalyst material within the reactor showed a reduction in H2S emissions. Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the presence of Ni / Ce and Cu / zeolite catalysts within the reactor material resulted in the smallest HS readings at the sensor, even after prolonged gas release. This difference emphasizes the effectiveness of these catalysts in absorbing HS under the test conditions, which were set to closely replicate room temperature environments. Both Ni / Ce and Cu / zeolite demonstrated the ability to effectively absorb HS at room temperature, as evidenced by the smallest HS readings recorded after gas passed through the reactor containing these catalysts. Fe / zeolite was found to be less effective in absorbing HS under the same temperature conditions. The choice of catalyst selected may be influenced by the environmental conditions and desired results at the application site.

[0021] refer to Figures 4 and 5 , Figure 4 FIG is a schematic diagram of a battery pack 10 having an integral body 12. The battery pack 10 has individual cells 14. Figure 5 As shown, each of the individual cells 14 within the battery pack 10 is a sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cell in which a solid electrolyte 16 is sandwiched between an anode 18 and a cathode 20. The solid electrolyte 16 can be any compatible electrolyte, such as an inorganic solid electrolyte (ISE), a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), or a composite polymer electrolyte (CPE). The entire body 12 is configured to mitigate the production of hydrogen sulfide gas, which is a byproduct of the interaction of moisture with the cathode 20. The entire body 12 is configured to achieve this by incorporating a catalyst material 22 that hydrolyzes the hydrogen sulfide gas into sulfur dioxide and water. The sulfur dioxide and water are then released to the outside of the battery cell 14 or battery pack 10. The reduction of hydrogen sulfide to the outside can help maintain the integrity and life of the cell. The catalyst material 22 that can be used is Ni / Ce, Cu / zeolite, Fe / zeolite, used alone or in combination, to promote the decomposition of hydrogen sulfide gas into sulfur dioxide and water. The catalyst material 22 may be incorporated into the monolith 12 by extruding the catalyst material 22 with a substrate material 24, such as cordierite. The substrate material 24 may also be coated with the catalyst material 22.

[0022] The body 12 may have a channel 26, such as Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the channels 26 may be configured in different ways to optimize the gas handling process within the battery pack 10 . Figure 6A The monolithic structure 28 is shown, wherein the monolith 12 includes a plurality of channels 26 extending therethrough. These channels 26 are structured to promote a direct flow-through structure, thereby allowing gases to pass directly through the channels 26 to maintain efficient gas movement and reactions within the monolith 12. Figure 6B A structure 30 is shown in which the channels 26 within the monolith 12 are designed to allow gas to pass through porous walls 32 in a wall-flow configuration. This arrangement effectively maximizes the contact surface area between the hydrogen sulfide gas and the catalyst material 22 coated along the channels 26, thereby affecting the hydrolysis process.

[0023] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method 34 for H2S mitigation in a lithium-sulfur battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. In box 36, hydrogen sulfide gas precipitated by exposure to moisture in a plurality of sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cells is directed through channels of a monolith configured to decompose the hydrogen sulfide gas into sulfur dioxide and water. In box 38, the sulfur dioxide and water are released to the exterior of the plurality of sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cells. The channels within the monolith can be arranged in a flow-through configuration to allow the gas to pass directly through. Alternatively, the channels within the monolith can be arranged in a wall-flow configuration to allow the gas to pass through a porous wall. In some embodiments, the directing step can include using a fan or pump to facilitate the flow of the hydrogen sulfide gas through the monolith.

[0024] The algorithms, methods or processes disclosed herein may be capable of being delivered to or implemented by a computer, controller or processing device, which may include any dedicated electronic control unit or programmable electronic control unit. Similarly, the algorithms, methods or processes may be stored in various forms as data and instructions that can be executed by a computer or controller, including but not limited to information permanently stored on a non-writable storage medium such as a read-only memory device and information that can be modified and stored on a writable storage medium such as an optical disc, a random access memory device or other magnetic and optical media. The algorithms, methods or processes may also be implemented as software executable objects. Alternatively, suitable hardware components (such as application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, state machines or other hardware components or devices) or a combination of firmware, hardware and software components may be used to embody the algorithms, methods or processes in whole or in part.

[0025] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of these disclosed materials.

[0026] As previously described, features of the various embodiments may be combined to form additional embodiments that may not be explicitly described or shown in the present disclosure. Although various embodiments may have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. These properties may include, but are not limited to, strength, durability, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, and the like. Therefore, embodiments that are described as being less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are within the scope of the present disclosure and may be desirable for a particular application.

[0027] According to the present invention, there is provided a battery cell having: a sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery; and an integral body configured to hydrolyze hydrogen sulfide gas precipitated due to exposure to moisture at a cathode into sulfur dioxide and water, and release the sulfur dioxide and water to the outside of the sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cell.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the body includes a plurality of channels extending therethrough.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the channels are arranged to allow direct passage of gas in a flow-through arrangement.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the channels are arranged to allow gas to pass through the porous walls in a wall flow configuration.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the monolith comprises a catalyst material.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the monolith comprises a plurality of channels extending therethrough coated with the catalyst material.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the catalyst material is Ni / Ce, Cu / zeolite or Fe / zeolite, alone or in combination.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the solid electrolyte is selected from an inorganic solid electrolyte, a solid polymer electrolyte, a composite polymer electrolyte, a sulfur-based solid electrolyte, and lithium.

[0035] According to the present invention, there is provided a battery pack having: a plurality of sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cells; and an integral body configured to hydrolyze hydrogen sulfide gas precipitated due to exposure to moisture in the plurality of battery cells into sulfur dioxide and water, and release the sulfur dioxide and water to the outside of the battery pack.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the body includes a plurality of channels extending therethrough.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the channels are arranged to allow direct passage of gas in a flow-through arrangement.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the channels are arranged to allow gas to pass through the porous walls in a wall flow configuration.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the monolith comprises a catalyst material.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the monolith comprises a plurality of channels extending therethrough coated with the catalyst material.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the catalyst material is Ni / Ce, Cu / zeolite or Fe / zeolite, alone or in combination.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the solid electrolyte is selected from an inorganic solid electrolyte, a solid polymer electrolyte, a composite polymer electrolyte, a sulfur-based solid electrolyte, and lithium.

[0043] According to the present invention, a method includes: directing hydrogen sulfide gas precipitated due to exposure to moisture of a plurality of sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cells through a channel configured to hydrolyze the hydrogen sulfide gas into sulfur dioxide and water; and releasing the sulfur dioxide and water to the exterior of the plurality of sulfur-containing lithium-based rechargeable battery cells.

[0044] In one aspect of the invention, the channels within the monolith are arranged in a flow-through configuration to allow gas to pass directly therethrough.

[0045] In one aspect of the invention, the channels within the monolith are arranged in a wall flow configuration to allow gas to pass through the porous walls.

[0046] In one aspect of the invention, directing includes using a fan or pump to facilitate flow of the hydrogen sulfide gas throughout.

Claims

1. A solid-state battery cell comprising: a solid electrolyte sandwiched between a lithium-based anode and a sulfur-based cathode; and The whole is configured to hydrolyze hydrogen sulfide gas precipitated due to exposure to moisture of the sulfur-based cathode into sulfur dioxide and water, and release the sulfur dioxide and water to the outside of the solid-state battery cell.

2. The solid-state battery cell of claim 1 , wherein the body includes a plurality of channels extending therethrough.

3. The solid-state battery cell of claim 2, wherein the channels are arranged to allow gas to pass directly therethrough in a flow-through configuration.

4. The solid-state battery cell of claim 2, wherein the channels are arranged to allow gas to pass through the porous walls in a wall-flow configuration.

5. The solid-state battery cell of claim 1, wherein the monolith comprises a catalyst material.

6. The solid-state battery cell of claim 5, wherein the body includes a plurality of channels extending therethrough coated with the catalyst material.

7. The solid-state battery cell of claim 5, wherein the catalyst material is Ni / Ce, Cu / zeolite, or Fe / zeolite, alone or in combination.

8. The solid-state battery cell of claim 1, wherein the solid electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of an inorganic solid electrolyte, a solid polymer electrolyte, a composite polymer electrolyte, a sulfur-based solid electrolyte, and lithium.

9. A battery pack comprising: multiple solid-state lithium-sulfur battery cells; and The battery pack is configured to hydrolyze hydrogen sulfide gas precipitated by exposure to moisture of the plurality of solid-state lithium-sulfur battery cells into sulfur dioxide and water, and release the sulfur dioxide and water to the outside of the battery pack.

10. The battery pack of claim 9, wherein the body includes a plurality of channels extending therethrough.

11. The battery pack of claim 10, wherein the channels are arranged to allow gas to pass directly therethrough in a flow-through configuration.

12. The battery pack of claim 10, wherein the channels are arranged to allow gas to pass through the porous walls in a wall-flow configuration.

13. The battery pack of claim 9, wherein the monolith comprises a catalyst material.

14. The battery pack of claim 13, wherein the body includes a plurality of channels extending therethrough coated with the catalyst material.

15. The battery of claim 13, wherein the catalyst material is Ni / Ce, Cu / zeolite, or Fe / zeolite, alone or in combination.

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