Battery module and application

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of batteries, in particular to a battery module and application. The battery module comprises a plurality of sulfide solid-state battery monomers, functional layers are arranged among the sulfide solid-state battery monomers, and the functional layers have the functions of heat conduction and hydrogen sulfide gas absorption. The battery module has the advantages that the safety and the reliability are remarkably improved, and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of batteries, and more specifically, to a battery module and its application. Background Technology

[0002] In sulfide battery systems, hydrogen sulfide gas is primarily generated through a variety of complex chemical processes. The sulfide electrolyte is the core component of a sulfide battery, typically composed of metal sulfides (such as Li₂S and Na₂S) and sulfide glass or ceramic materials. During battery operation, side reactions occur between the electrode materials and the sulfide electrolyte, generating hydrogen sulfide gas.

[0003] Furthermore, moisture is one of the key factors contributing to the generation of hydrogen sulfide gas. Sulfide electrolytes are extremely sensitive to moisture; even trace amounts of moisture entering the battery can trigger a violent chemical reaction. Water reacts with metal sulfides in the sulfide electrolyte, such as Li₂S reacting with water, to produce lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and hydrogen sulfide gas. The chemical reaction equation is as follows: Li₂S + H₂O = 2LiOH + H₂S↑; Meanwhile, during the battery's charge-discharge cycles, the internal temperature changes. High temperatures accelerate these side reactions, increasing the production of hydrogen sulfide gas. Hydrogen sulfide gas is highly corrosive. It reacts chemically with internal metal components, such as copper and iron, to form metal sulfides. These sulfides adhere to the metal surfaces, damaging their surface structure, reducing conductivity, and increasing the battery's internal resistance. Over time, corrosion of these metal components worsens, potentially leading to breakage, severely impacting battery operation, shortening lifespan, and reducing performance and safety. Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas that can severely damage the nervous and respiratory systems. Inhaling low concentrations can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting; inhaling higher concentrations can rapidly cause olfactory fatigue, leading to loss of smell and potentially resulting in respiratory distress, pulmonary edema, coma, or even death within a short period. If hydrogen sulfide gas leaks during the production, use, and recycling of sulfide batteries, operators who inhale it will face serious threats to their life and health.

[0004] Currently, the main technical means to suppress hydrogen sulfide gas generation are at the battery cell level, such as modifying electrolyte materials (including doping and coating), improving the sealing structure of battery cells to prevent moisture ingress, or adding hydrogen sulfide or moisture absorbers inside the battery cells. No existing technology has been found to absorb hydrogen sulfide gas from the battery module perspective to improve battery safety performance.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery module and its application, wherein the battery module has advantages such as significantly improved safety and reliability.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives of the present invention, the following technical solution is adopted: One aspect of the present invention relates to a battery module comprising a plurality of sulfide solid-state battery cells, wherein a functional layer is disposed between the sulfide solid-state battery cells, the functional layer having both thermal conductivity and hydrogen sulfide gas absorption functions.

[0008] The battery module, through innovative design at the battery module level, incorporates a composite layer between individual battery cells that combines thermal conductivity and hydrogen sulfide gas absorption. This innovatively solves the thermal management challenges and toxic gas leakage risks of sulfide batteries from a system-level perspective. This design not only utilizes highly thermally conductive materials for efficient heat dissipation but also adsorbs corrosive gases in real time by adding or directly using hydrogen sulfide absorbents. This significantly improves the overall safety and reliability of the battery system while ensuring battery cycle life and the integrity of metal components. Furthermore, the design is compact, has good process compatibility, and shows great application potential.

[0009] Preferably, the functional layer comprises: a thermally conductive substrate material and a hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent dispersed in the thermally conductive substrate material.

[0010] Preferably, the thermally conductive matrix material includes: graphene and / or alternating multilayer thermally conductive materials.

[0011] Preferably, the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent comprises: alkaline metal oxide, Ti3C2T x At least one of MXene or boron-nitrogen nanosheets.

[0012] Preferably, the mass ratio of the thermally conductive substrate material to the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent is 5:1~15.

[0013] Preferably, the functional layer is mainly composed of metal-organic framework material.

[0014] Preferably, the functional layer comprises: a metal-organic framework material and a hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent.

[0015] Preferably, the functional layer is a multi-layer structure, including at least a first functional layer and a second functional layer, wherein the first functional layer and the second functional layer are made of different materials and / or have different compositions.

[0016] Preferably, the first functional layer comprises: the thermally conductive matrix material and the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent dispersed in the thermally conductive matrix material, and the second functional layer comprises: a metal-organic framework material layer.

[0017] Preferably, the mass ratio of the first functional layer to the second functional layer is 1:0.5~2.

[0018] Another aspect of the invention relates to an electrical device including the aforementioned battery module.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. Innovatively solves security issues at the module level Existing technologies are mainly limited to suppressing hydrogen sulfide generation within individual battery cells, while this invention is the first to incorporate a hydrogen sulfide absorption mechanism at the battery module level. This constitutes the first line of defense, effectively capturing hydrogen sulfide gas escaping from the cells, greatly reducing the risk of toxic gas leaking into the external environment, and fundamentally improving the overall safety of the battery system, especially for use in enclosed spaces such as vehicles.

[0020] 2. Functional integration and synergy to achieve efficient thermal management and gas adsorption This invention creatively integrates thermal management and H2S gas adsorption into one unit by setting a single "functional layer" between battery cells. This integrated design avoids the space waste and structural complexity caused by adding additional independent absorption components, achieving a balance between battery module compactness and maximum functionality.

[0021] The components in the functional layer work together: the thermally conductive matrix material is responsible for building an efficient heat transfer path, ensuring uniform module temperature, and preventing thermal runaway; the hydrogen sulfide absorbent is responsible for removing harmful gases generated in real time and protecting metal components from corrosion.

[0022] 3. Utilizing multifunctional materials to achieve double the performance. Advanced materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are employed, which inherently possess both high thermal conductivity and excellent hydrogen sulfide adsorption capacity. When used as a functional layer, these materials can achieve dual functionality without the need for additional absorbents, simplifying the manufacturing process. Furthermore, due to their porous nature and high specific surface area, they provide gas adsorption capacity and rate far exceeding those of traditional materials.

[0023] 4. Multi-layer alternating structure optimizes gas handling path and reliability By employing an alternating, multi-layered structure with different materials and functional focuses (such as high thermal conductivity layers and high adsorption layers), a longer diffusion path and a more complete reaction interface are created for hydrogen sulfide gas within the module, ensuring thorough adsorption. Simultaneously, this structural design enhances the mechanical stability and compressive strength of the functional layers, improving the reliability of the entire battery module during long-term cyclic use.

[0024] 5. Extends battery life and improves system reliability By promptly absorbing highly corrosive hydrogen sulfide gas, sulfide corrosion of internal battery components such as connectors and busbars is effectively prevented, maintaining their good conductivity and mechanical integrity. This helps reduce internal battery resistance, slows capacity decay, significantly extends the battery module's lifespan, and improves the long-term operational reliability of the entire battery system. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described below are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments, and are only used to illustrate the present invention, and should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Where specific conditions are not specified in the embodiments, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer shall be followed. Where the manufacturers of reagents or instruments are not specified, they are all conventional products that can be purchased commercially.

[0026] One aspect of the present invention relates to a battery module comprising a plurality of sulfide solid-state battery cells, wherein a functional layer is disposed between the sulfide solid-state battery cells, the functional layer having both thermal conductivity and hydrogen sulfide gas absorption functions.

[0027] Currently, sulfide batteries have the problem of generating hydrogen sulfide gas during use. Suppressing hydrogen sulfide gas only at the individual battery cell level often cannot achieve good technical results. During the battery installation process, module assembly is inevitably involved. If hydrogen sulfide gas is not suppressed in the module, the safety impact on people will be greater if the gas overflows from the battery.

[0028] This invention, through innovative design at the battery module level, incorporates a composite layer between battery cells that combines thermal conductivity and hydrogen sulfide gas absorption. This groundbreaking approach addresses the challenges of thermal management and the risk of toxic gas leakage in sulfide batteries from a system-wide perspective. The design not only utilizes highly thermally conductive materials for efficient heat dissipation but also adsorbs corrosive gases in real time by adding or directly using hydrogen sulfide absorbents. This significantly improves the overall safety and reliability of the battery system while ensuring battery cycle life and the integrity of metal components. Furthermore, the design is compact, has good process compatibility, and possesses significant application potential.

[0029] Furthermore, the functional layer includes a thermally conductive substrate material and a hydrogen sulfide gas absorber dispersed in the thermally conductive substrate material. By placing the thermally conductive substrate material between the battery cells of the sulfide battery module, thermal management of the battery module can be achieved; by adding a hydrogen sulfide gas absorber to the thermally conductive substrate material, the leakage of hydrogen sulfide gas can be controlled at the module level, improving battery safety performance.

[0030] Furthermore, the thermally conductive substrate material includes, but is not limited to: graphene and / or alternating multilayer thermally conductive materials.

[0031] Furthermore, the alternating multilayer thermal conductive material includes, but is not limited to, BN / AlN alternating multilayer film materials. BN / AlN alternating multilayer film materials are formed by alternating stacks of boron nitride (BN) and aluminum nitride (AlN) in extremely thin films.

[0032] Furthermore, the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent comprises: alkaline metal oxides, Ti3C2T x At least one of MXene or boron-nitrogen nanosheets. In some specific embodiments, the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent is any one of the above-mentioned hydrogen sulfide gas absorbents; or, the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent is any two of the above-mentioned hydrogen sulfide gas absorbents; or, the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent is any three of the above-mentioned hydrogen sulfide gas absorbents. When there are multiple types of hydrogen sulfide gas absorbents, the different types can be combined in any proportion.

[0033] Ti3C2T x MXene is a two-dimensional transition metal carbide with a graphene-like layered structure.

[0034] Further, the alkaline metal oxide includes, but is not limited to, at least one of: zinc oxide, copper oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, ferric oxide, or magnetite. In some specific embodiments, the alkaline metal oxide is any one of the above-mentioned alkaline metal oxides; or, the alkaline metal oxide is any two of the above-mentioned alkaline metal oxides; or, the alkaline metal oxide is any three of the above-mentioned alkaline metal oxides; or, the alkaline metal oxide is any four of the above-mentioned alkaline metal oxides; or, the alkaline metal oxide is any one of the above-mentioned alkaline metal oxides; or, the alkaline metal oxide is any six of the above-mentioned alkaline metal oxides. When there are multiple types of alkaline metal oxides, the different types can be combined in any proportion.

[0035] Furthermore, the mass ratio of the thermally conductive substrate material to the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent is 5:1 to 15, including but not limited to 5:1, 5:5, 5:10, 5:13, or 5:15. This specific mass ratio range ensures that the functional layer achieves an optimal balance between thermal conductivity and adsorption properties. When there is too much absorbent, the excess absorbent particles will disrupt the continuous thermally conductive network formed by the thermally conductive substrate material, significantly reducing the overall thermal conductivity of the layer and affecting the heat dissipation performance of the battery module. When there is too little absorbent, the absorbent content is insufficient to effectively and quickly capture all the hydrogen sulfide gas generated during battery operation, posing a safety risk. Controlling the ratio within a reasonable range can provide sufficient and sustained hydrogen sulfide gas absorption capacity while ensuring the functional layer has excellent thermal conductivity, thereby achieving efficient synergy of dual functions.

[0036] Furthermore, the functional layer is primarily composed of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). This invention selects a MOF material with hydrogen sulfide gas absorption capabilities as the functional layer. MOF materials can both conduct heat and absorb hydrogen sulfide gas, achieving better performance.

[0037] Furthermore, the functional layer includes a metal-organic framework material and a hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent.

[0038] Furthermore, the functional layer is a multi-layer structure, including at least a first functional layer and a second functional layer, wherein the first functional layer and the second functional layer are made of different materials and / or have different compositions.

[0039] Furthermore, the first functional layer includes: the thermally conductive matrix material and the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent dispersed in the thermally conductive matrix material, and the second functional layer includes: a metal-organic framework material layer.

[0040] Furthermore, the mass ratio of the first functional layer to the second functional layer is 1:0.5 to 2, including but not limited to 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, or 1:2. This mass ratio range ensures the balance of functions among the layers in the multilayer structure and the stability of the structure. Controlling the mass ratio of the two layers within this range means that no single layer dominates the structure or is too thin. This allows both the "first functional layer," which combines thermal conductivity and absorption, and the "metal-organic framework second functional layer," which specializes in efficient adsorption, to perform their design functions effectively, avoiding any performance bottleneck caused by an excessively thin layer. At the same time, this ratio ensures that the multilayer structure has uniform thickness and matched mechanical properties overall. This prevents any layer from being damaged due to excessive thinness under the pressure of battery stacking and ensures that hydrogen sulfide gas has a longer retention and reaction path when penetrating each layer, thereby improving absorption efficiency and the reliability of the overall structure.

[0041] Another aspect of the invention relates to an electrical device including the aforementioned battery module.

[0042] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specified in the examples, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer are followed. Reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are all commercially available conventional products.

[0043] Example 1 The battery module provided in this embodiment includes several sulfide solid-state battery cells, and a functional layer is provided between the sulfide solid-state battery cells. The functional layer has both heat conduction and hydrogen sulfide gas absorption functions. The functional layer comprises: a thermally conductive substrate material and a hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent dispersed in the thermally conductive substrate material; the mass ratio of the thermally conductive substrate material to the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent is 5:5; The thermally conductive substrate material is graphene, and the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent is an alkaline metal oxide.

[0044] Example 2 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the thermally conductive substrate material is a BN / AlN alternating multilayer film material, and the mass ratio of the thermally conductive substrate material to the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent is 5:1.

[0045] Example 3 The battery module provided in this embodiment includes several sulfide solid-state battery cells, and a functional layer is disposed between the sulfide solid-state battery cells. The functional layer has both thermal conductivity and hydrogen sulfide gas absorption functions; the functional layer is composed of metal-organic framework (MOF) material.

[0046] Example 4 The battery module provided in this embodiment includes several sulfide solid-state battery cells, and a functional layer is disposed between the sulfide solid-state battery cells. The functional layer has both thermal conductivity and hydrogen sulfide gas absorption functions. The functional layer is composed of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials and alkaline metal oxides.

[0047] Example 5 The battery module provided in this embodiment includes several sulfide solid-state battery cells, and a functional layer is provided between the sulfide solid-state battery cells. The functional layer has both heat conduction and hydrogen sulfide gas absorption functions. The first functional layer includes a thermally conductive matrix material and a hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent dispersed in the thermally conductive matrix material; the second functional layer includes a metal-organic framework material layer. The thermally conductive substrate material is graphene, and the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent is boron-nitrogen nanosheets.

[0048] Comparative Example 1 The sulfide battery module only has a thermally conductive material layer between the individual cells, without any hydrogen sulfide absorbing material.

[0049] Experimental Example The hydrogen sulfide production of the battery modules provided in each embodiment and comparative example was tested. The test results are shown in Table 1. Sensors were placed in the exhaust channel, near the pressure relief valve, or in the gaps inside the pack of the battery module for real-time and continuous monitoring.

[0050] Table 1

[0051] As shown in Table 1, the sulfide solid-state battery module provided by this invention solves the problem of H2S gas accumulation inside the module. This invention fundamentally improves the system safety of the battery module, removing a major obstacle to its commercial application.

[0052] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with specific embodiments, it should be understood that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized in that, It includes several sulfide solid-state battery cells, and a functional layer is disposed between the sulfide solid-state battery cells. The functional layer has both thermal conductivity and hydrogen sulfide gas absorption functions.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional layer includes: a thermally conductive substrate material and a hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent dispersed in the thermally conductive substrate material.

3. The battery module according to claim 2, characterized in that, The thermally conductive matrix material includes: graphene and / or alternating multilayer thermally conductive materials.

4. The battery module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent includes: alkaline metal oxides, Ti3C2T x At least one of MXene or boron-nitrogen nanosheets.

5. The battery module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mass ratio of the thermally conductive substrate material to the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent is 5:1~15.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The functional layer is mainly composed of metal-organic framework materials; Preferably, the functional layer comprises: a metal-organic framework material and a hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent.

7. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The functional layer has a multi-layer structure, including at least a first functional layer and a second functional layer, wherein the first functional layer and the second functional layer are made of different materials and / or have different compositions.

8. The battery module according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first functional layer includes: the thermally conductive matrix material and the hydrogen sulfide gas absorbent dispersed in the thermally conductive matrix material; the second functional layer includes: a metal-organic framework material layer.

9. The battery module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mass ratio of the first functional layer to the second functional layer is 1:0.5~2.

10. An electrical appliance, characterized in that, Includes the battery module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images