Battery cell with electrolyte single-side design, battery and emergency power generation device thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrolyte single-side designed battery cell, a battery and an emergency power generation device thereof. A supporting flow guide assembly, a current collection assembly, a catalytic reaction assembly, an ion conduction assembly and a cathode energy supply assembly are sequentially stacked in the airflow direction and are fixedly connected through a packaging shell; the supporting and current guiding assembly comprises a rigid partition plate, a plurality of protruding structures distributed in an array mode are integrally formed on the surface of the side, facing the current collecting assembly, of the rigid partition plate, the current collecting assembly is a nickel net, and the surface of one side of the nickel net is in surface contact fit with the tops of the protruding structures of the rigid partition plate. The surface of the side, away from the protruding structure, of the nickel net is tightly attached to the catalytic reaction assembly, the catalytic reaction assembly is fixed to the surface of the nickel net through a binding agent, the electrolyte layer tightly covers the side, away from the nickel net, of the catalytic reaction assembly, and the cathode electrode energy supply layer makes contact with the single side of the electrolyte layer. The purposes of preventing water permeation in the ion conduction assembly and improving the electrochemical reaction rate are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of chemical power source technology, and in particular to a battery cell, battery and emergency power generation device with a single-sided electrolyte design. Background Technology

[0002] Existing magnesium-air battery packs mostly use direct stacking or simple splicing of multiple cells, without a dedicated barrier structure designed to prevent water leakage between cells, resulting in serious technical defects: Water leakage leads to efficiency reduction: If a single cell leaks water due to poor sealing or component aging, the leaked water will spread to adjacent cells. This will dilute the electrolyte concentration of adjacent cells, reducing ion conduction efficiency; furthermore, it may cause unexpected self-corrosion of the anode (such as the magnesium plate) of adjacent cells, consuming anode material and generating useless by-reaction products, further reducing cell power generation efficiency, and in severe cases, even paralyzing the entire battery pack. Existing separators lack functionality: Although some battery packs have separators, they only provide simple support and lack hydrophobic or waterproof sealing properties, failing to prevent water penetration. Moreover, existing separators are mostly planar structures, not designed in conjunction with the airflow channels and fixing structures of the cells, easily leading to uneven oxygen supply or loose cell fixation, further exacerbating fluctuations in power generation efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a battery cell, battery and emergency power generation device with a single-sided electrolyte design. By setting a hydrophobic rigid separator in the battery cell and reducing the amount of water used in conjunction with the single-sided electrolyte contact design, the invention aims to prevent water penetration into the ion conduction components and improve the electrochemical reaction rate.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a battery cell with a single-sided electrolyte design, characterized in that a support and current guiding component, a current collecting component, a catalytic reaction component, an ion conduction component, and a cathode power supply component are stacked sequentially along the airflow direction, wherein an independent airflow channel is formed between the support and current collecting component, and each component is fixedly connected by a packaging shell; The supporting current guiding component includes a rigid partition. The rigid partition has a plurality of arrayed protrusions integrally formed on the side surface facing the current collection component. The current collection component is a nickel mesh. One side surface of the nickel mesh is in surface contact with the top of the protrusions of the rigid partition. The side surface of the nickel mesh away from the protrusions is tightly attached to the catalytic reaction component. The catalytic reaction component is fixed to the surface of the nickel mesh by an adhesive. The electrolyte layer tightly covers the side of the catalytic reaction component away from the nickel mesh. The cathode power supply layer is in contact with the electrolyte layer on one side.

[0005] Furthermore, the rigid partition is made of a hydrophobic polymer material, and the protruding structure is cylindrical; The side of the nickel mesh furthest from the protruding structure is in close contact with the catalytic reaction assembly; There is no interlocking connection between the nickel mesh and the protruding structure of the rigid partition; The cathode power supply component is a magnesium plate; Furthermore, the hydrophobic polymer material is polytetrafluoroethylene or polypropylene; The raised structures are evenly distributed on the surface of the rigid partition, and the spacing between adjacent raised structures is adapted to the air permeability of the breathable and water-resistant membrane.

[0006] Furthermore, the nickel mesh edge is provided with outwardly extending conductive tabs, which are used to realize the electrical connection between the battery cell and the external circuit, and the mesh size of the nickel mesh is adapted to the width of the airflow channel.

[0007] Furthermore, the ion conduction component is a NaCl-impregnated nonwoven electrolyte layer; The nonwoven fabric is immersed in NaCl aqueous solution for a preset time, then removed and dried to a preset moisture content, which is adapted to the ion conductivity requirements.

[0008] Furthermore, the catalytic reaction component is a carbon black-carbon nanotube composite catalytic layer; The mass ratio of carbon black to carbon nanotubes in the carbon black-carbon nanotube composite catalytic layer is adapted to the catalytic reaction efficiency. The binder fixes the carbon black and carbon nanotubes without hindering the transport of oxygen and ions. The thickness of the composite catalytic layer is adapted to the bonding requirements of the ion conduction component and the current collection component.

[0009] Furthermore, through the synergistic effect of the above components, the oxygen reduction reaction and magnesium oxidation reaction continue, and the directional transport of electrons and ions forms a stable current, realizing the power generation function of the battery cell.

[0010] The present invention also provides a battery with a single-sided electrolyte design, comprising at least two cells with a single-sided electrolyte design as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, an electrode connecting piece, and a battery casing. The cells are stacked vertically, and adjacent cells are bonded together by a thermally conductive silicone pad. The electrode connecting piece is a copper conductive sheet, one end of which is welded to the current collection component of the upper cell, and the other end is welded to the cathode power supply component of the lower cell, thereby realizing series or parallel connection between the cells. The battery casing is a metal casing with a heat insulation layer on the inner side. A collection air channel corresponding to the air inlet of each cell is opened on the side wall of the casing, and a flow regulating valve is provided at the air inlet end of the collection air channel.

[0011] The present invention also provides an emergency power generation device with a single-sided electrolyte design, characterized in that it includes at least one battery with a single-sided electrolyte design as described in any one of claims 8 to 9, a voltage regulation module, an energy storage module, and a control module. The input terminal of the voltage regulation module is electrically connected to the output terminal of the battery, and is used to convert the electrical energy output by the battery into a stable DC voltage. The energy storage module is a lithium battery pack, and the input terminal of the energy storage module is electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage regulation module, and is used to store excess electrical energy. The control module is electrically connected to the flow regulation valve of the battery, the voltage regulation module, and the energy storage module respectively, and is used to monitor the battery output voltage, current, and energy storage module charge in real time. When an external load is detected, the control module regulates the flow regulation valve to increase the oxygen flow to improve the battery output power, and simultaneously controls the energy storage module to supply power in coordination.

[0012] The present invention provides a battery cell, battery and emergency power generation device with a single-sided electrolyte design, which has the following beneficial effects: To address the issues of rapid moisture evaporation and low ion conduction efficiency caused by double-sided contact in the electrolyte layer of existing magnesium-air batteries, this paper optimizes the oxygen transport channel to ensure uniform oxygen supply on the cathode side, stabilizes the electrochemical reaction rate, and provides a convenient and reliable component fixing method to avoid damage to the component due to assembly stress. Based on the above-mentioned cells, batteries and emergency power generation devices are constructed to meet diverse power supply needs in emergency scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram that conceptually represents a representative embodiment of the battery cell of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a battery with a single-sided electrolyte design according to an embodiment of the present invention; Symbol Explanation 1-Cathode power supply component 2-Ion Conduction Components 3-Catalytic Reaction Components 4-Current Harvesting Components 5-Supporting flow guide components The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0015] Reference Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell with a single-sided electrolyte design proposed in this invention, which includes the following features: This battery cell consists of a stacked support structure along the oxygen flow direction (airflow direction), comprising a current collection component, a catalytic reaction component, an ion conduction component, and a cathode power supply component. The core design is that "the ion conduction component (electrolyte layer) is in close contact with the catalytic reaction component and in contact with the cathode power supply component on only one side." This is known as the "single-sided functional partitioning" of the electrolyte layer: one side is responsible for working with the catalytic reaction component to achieve the oxygen reduction reaction (ion generation), while the other side only transmits ions to the cathode power supply component through single-sided contact (ion migration). This avoids moisture loss caused by large-area exposure of the electrolyte layer and reduces side reactions between the cathode and the electrolyte.

[0016] In this embodiment, the supporting and guiding component is made of hydrophobic polymer material (such as PTFE, PP). The hydrophobicity of PTFE / PP (contact angle ≥110°) prevents moisture in the ion conduction component from penetrating to the supporting side, avoiding short circuits. Simultaneously, the rigid material (flexural strength ≥20MPa) provides structural support for the entire cell, preventing deformation of the stacked components. The protruding structure is designed as a cylinder, arrayed on the side of the rigid partition facing the current collection component. Its functions are twofold: first, to "form an independent airflow channel," with the gap between adjacent protruding structures providing a transmission path for oxygen, ensuring uniform oxygen delivery to the catalytic reaction component; second, to "achieve surface contact positioning," with the top of the protruding structure making surface contact with the current collection component (nickel mesh) without interlocking connections, thus avoiding deformation of the nickel mesh due to interlocking forces and ensuring a tight fit between the nickel mesh and the catalytic reaction component.

[0017] In this embodiment, the current harvesting component is a nickel mesh, which has good conductivity (resistivity ≤ 0.05Ω). With its excellent corrosion resistance (mm² / m), the nickel mesh can collect the electron flow generated by the catalytic reaction for a long time without being oxidized. Its mesh structure does not hinder the passage of oxygen, ensuring that oxygen can penetrate the nickel mesh to reach the catalytic reaction component. One side of the nickel mesh is in contact with the raised structure surface supporting the flow guiding component, while the other side is tightly attached to the catalytic reaction component. This "clamped" layout allows the nickel mesh to be both stably fixed and efficiently collect electrons. Electrons generated by the catalytic reaction can be directly transferred to the nickel mesh through the bonding surface and then led out by the nickel mesh to the external circuit.

[0018] In this embodiment, the catalytic reaction component is a carbon black-carbon nanotube composite catalytic layer. Carbon black has a high specific surface area (≥800m² / g) and can adsorb a large amount of oxygen; carbon nanotubes (diameter 10-50nm) have excellent conductivity and can accelerate electron transport. The two are mixed at a mass ratio of 1:0.2-0.5 and fixed to the surface of the nickel mesh by a binder (such as polyvinylidene fluoride or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose). The amount of binder added is 5-10% of the total mass of the composite catalytic layer, which ensures the fixation strength between the catalytic layer and the nickel mesh (peel strength ≥1N / cm) without blocking the oxygen and ion transport channels.

[0019] In this embodiment, the ion conduction component is a NaCl-impregnated nonwoven electrolyte layer. The nonwoven fabric (20-50 g / m²) is immersed in a 5-15% NaCl aqueous solution for 10-30 minutes, then dried at 40-60°C until the moisture content is ≤5%, thus forming the NaCl-impregnated electrolyte layer. The rationale for this process is that the porous structure of the nonwoven fabric (porosity ≥70%) can adsorb sufficient NaCl solution, providing a carrier for ion conduction; controlling the moisture content avoids component corrosion due to excessive moisture or a decrease in ion conductivity due to insufficient moisture. The electrolyte layer tightly covers the side of the catalytic reaction component away from the nickel mesh, forming a "close contact" to efficiently receive hydroxyl ions (OH-) generated by the oxygen reduction reaction. - Meanwhile, it only contacts one side of the cathode power supply component (magnesium plate), reducing the contact area between the magnesium plate and the electrolyte, lowering the self-corrosion rate of the magnesium plate (self-corrosion current density ≤0.5mA / cm²), and extending the service life of the battery cell.

[0020] In this embodiment, the cathode power supply component is a magnesium plate (0.1-0.5 mm thick), which serves as the anode. Its standard electrode potential is low (-2.37 V vs SHE), making it prone to oxidation and electron release, thus making it an ideal power supply material. A copper plate (0.05-0.1 mm thick) is tightly connected to the magnesium plate, as copper has better conductivity than magnesium (resistivity ≤ 0.02 Ω). (mm² / m) This allows for efficient transfer of electrons released from the magnesium plate to external electronic devices, reducing electron transfer losses. The magnesium plate only contacts one side of the electrolyte layer, which prevents large-area corrosion of the magnesium plate by the electrolyte and ensures that the electrons released from the magnesium plate flow to the current collection component (forming a loop) through the external circuit, rather than being directly short-circuited through the electrolyte layer.

[0021] Reference Figure 2 Here is a structural diagram of a battery with a single-sided electrolyte design according to an embodiment of the present invention, including: Battery composition and connection logic The battery comprises at least two cells with a single-sided electrolyte design, electrode connecting plates, and a battery casing. The cells are stacked vertically to maximize space utilization, reduce battery size, and improve portability. Adjacent cells are bonded together with thermally conductive silicone pads, which dissipate heat generated during cell operation to the battery casing, preventing heat buildup that could lead to rapid evaporation of moisture from the electrolyte layer and ensuring stable operating temperatures for each cell.

[0022] The electrode connecting piece is a copper conductive piece. One end is welded to the current collection component of the upper battery cell, and the other end is welded to the cathode power supply component of the lower battery cell. This connection method enables series or parallel connection between battery cells. Series connection can increase the output voltage, and parallel connection can increase the output current, flexibly adapting to the voltage and current requirements of different load devices.

[0023] The battery casing is made of metal, providing high structural strength and protecting the internal cells from external impacts. An insulation layer on the inner side of the casing blocks the effects of external ambient temperature on the cells, ensuring stable operation under varying temperatures. A central air intake corresponding to the air inlets of each cell is located on the side wall of the casing. A flow control valve at the intake end of this central air intake allows for uniform control of the oxygen flow to each cell, ensuring consistent reaction rates and preventing lifespan differences caused by some cells reacting too quickly.

[0024] The number of battery cells stacked is 2-6, which strikes a balance between power supply capacity and portability. Too few cells result in insufficient power supply capacity, while too many increase battery size and weight, affecting portability. When connected in series, the battery output voltage is the sum of the output voltages of each cell; when connected in parallel, the battery output current is the sum of the output currents of each cell. The connection method can be selected according to actual needs. For example, series connection is used to power high-voltage equipment, while parallel connection is used to power high-current equipment.

[0025] An emergency power generation device with a single-sided electrolyte design in one embodiment of the present invention includes: The voltage regulation module, with its input terminal electrically connected to the battery's output terminal, can convert the unstable voltage output by the battery into a stable DC voltage, adapting to the voltage requirements of various emergency electrical devices such as mobile phones, flashlights, and small water pumps, and preventing damage to the equipment due to voltage fluctuations.

[0026] The energy storage module uses a lithium battery pack, and its input terminal is electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage regulation module. It can store excess electrical energy generated by the battery. When there is no external load, the battery generates electricity and stores it in the energy storage module first. When the battery generates insufficient electricity (such as when the magnesium plate is exhausted), the energy storage module can take over the power supply and extend the emergency power supply time.

[0027] The control module is electrically connected to the battery's flow regulating valve, voltage regulating module, and energy storage module, respectively. Its core function is "real-time monitoring and intelligent control": it monitors the battery's output voltage, current, and energy storage module's charge in real time. When an external load is detected, it adjusts the flow regulating valve to increase the oxygen flow to enhance the battery's output power. If the battery power is still insufficient, it controls the energy storage module to provide power in conjunction to ensure the normal operation of the load equipment. When the energy storage module is fully charged, it can reduce the opening of the flow regulating valve to reduce the battery's power generation and avoid energy waste.

[0028] For the specific implementation of each unit in the above device example, please refer to the method embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0029] In summary, this invention achieves the goal of preventing water penetration into the ion conduction components and improving the electrochemical reaction rate by setting a hydrophobic rigid separator inside the battery cell and combining it with a single-sided electrolyte contact design to reduce the amount of water used.

[0030] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, apparatus, article, or method that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, apparatus, article, or method. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, apparatus, article, or method that includes that element.

[0031] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery cell with a single-sided electrolyte design, characterized in that, It includes a support and flow guiding component, a current collection component, a catalytic reaction component, an ion conduction component, and a cathode power supply component, which are stacked sequentially along the airflow direction. The support and flow guiding component and the current collection component form an independent airflow channel, and each component is fixedly connected by a package shell. The supporting current guiding component includes a rigid partition. The rigid partition has a plurality of arrayed protrusions integrally formed on the side surface facing the current collection component. The current collection component is a nickel mesh. One side surface of the nickel mesh is in surface contact with the top of the protrusions of the rigid partition. The side surface of the nickel mesh away from the protrusions is tightly attached to the catalytic reaction component. The catalytic reaction component is fixed to the surface of the nickel mesh by an adhesive. The electrolyte layer tightly covers the side of the catalytic reaction component away from the nickel mesh. The cathode power supply layer is in contact with the electrolyte layer on one side.

2. The battery cell with a single-sided electrolyte design according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigid partition is made of a hydrophobic polymer material, and the protruding structure is cylindrical; The side of the nickel mesh furthest from the protruding structure is in close contact with the catalytic reaction assembly; There is no interlocking connection between the nickel mesh and the protruding structure of the rigid partition; The cathode power supply component is a magnesium plate.

3. The battery cell with a single-sided electrolyte design according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hydrophobic polymer material is polytetrafluoroethylene or polypropylene; The raised structures are evenly distributed on the surface of the rigid partition, and the spacing between adjacent raised structures is adapted to the air permeability of the breathable and water-resistant membrane.

4. The battery cell with a single-sided electrolyte design according to claim 2, characterized in that, The nickel mesh has outwardly extending conductive tabs at its edge, which are used to achieve electrical connection between the battery cell and the external circuit. The mesh size of the nickel mesh is adapted to the width of the airflow channel.

5. The battery cell with a single-sided electrolyte design according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ion conduction component is a NaCl-impregnated nonwoven electrolyte layer; The nonwoven fabric is immersed in NaCl aqueous solution for a preset time, then removed and dried to a preset moisture content, which is adapted to the ion conductivity requirements.

6. The battery cell with a single-sided electrolyte design according to claim 1, characterized in that, The catalytic reaction component is a carbon black-carbon nanotube composite catalytic layer; The mass ratio of carbon black to carbon nanotubes in the carbon black-carbon nanotube composite catalytic layer is adapted to the catalytic reaction efficiency. The binder fixes the carbon black and carbon nanotubes without hindering the transport of oxygen and ions. The thickness of the composite catalytic layer is adapted to the bonding requirements of the ion conduction component and the current collection component.

7. The battery cell with a single-sided electrolyte design according to claim 2, characterized in that, Through the synergistic effect of the above components, the oxygen reduction reaction and magnesium oxidation reaction continue, and the directional transport of electrons and ions forms a stable current, realizing the power generation function of the battery cell.

8. A battery with a single-sided electrolyte design, characterized in that, The battery includes at least two single-sided electrolyte cells as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, electrode connecting pieces, and a battery casing. The cells are stacked vertically, with adjacent cells bonded together by thermally conductive silicone pads. The electrode connecting pieces are copper conductive sheets, with one end welded to the current collection component of the upper cell and the other end welded to the cathode power supply component of the lower cell, enabling series or parallel connection between the cells. The battery casing is made of metal, with a heat insulation layer on the inner side. A collection air channel corresponding to the air inlet of each cell is opened on the side wall of the casing, and a flow regulating valve is provided at the air inlet end of the collection air channel.

9. The battery with a single-sided electrolyte design according to claim 8, characterized in that, The number of battery cells stacked is 2-6. When connected in series, the battery output voltage is the sum of the output voltages of each battery cell, and when connected in parallel, the battery output current is the sum of the output currents of each battery cell.

10. An emergency power generation device with a single-sided electrolyte design, characterized in that, The device includes at least one battery with a single-sided electrolyte design as described in any one of claims 8 to 9, a voltage regulation module, an energy storage module, and a control module. The input terminal of the voltage regulation module is electrically connected to the output terminal of the battery and is used to convert the electrical energy output by the battery into a stable DC voltage. The energy storage module is a lithium battery pack, and its input terminal is electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage regulation module. It is used to store excess electrical energy. The control module is electrically connected to the flow regulation valve of the battery, the voltage regulation module, and the energy storage module respectively. It is used to monitor the battery output voltage, current, and energy storage module charge in real time. When an external load is detected, the control module regulates the flow regulation valve to increase the oxygen flow to improve the battery output power, and simultaneously controls the energy storage module to provide power.

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