Device for inhibiting dendritic crystal growth of zinc-air battery

Abstract

The utility model provides a device for inhibiting dendritic crystal growth of a zinc-air battery, and relates to the field of energy storage batteries. Comprising an electrolyte storage tank and a zinc-air battery, the electrolyte storage tank and the zinc-air battery are communicated to form a closed loop, electrolyte flows into the zinc-air battery from the electrolyte storage tank and then flows back to the electrolyte storage tank to realize circulation, the zinc-air battery is connected with a blue electricity testing system, and the blue electricity testing system performs charging and discharging testing. The diagonal flow state electrolyte disclosed by the utility model can effectively inhibit the growth of zinc dendrites, prolong the service life of the battery and reduce the short-circuit risk of the battery.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to energy storage battery technical field especially points to a device for inhibiting dendrite growth of zinc air battery. BACKGROUND

[0002] Due to the high theoretical energy density of zinc air battery (Zn-air battery) ) and the advantages of abundant and low-cost anode active material zinc, it is widely used in the research of secondary batteries. However, the zinc anode of zinc-air battery still has problems such as dendrite growth, deformation, hydrogen evolution self-corrosion, etc. Especially, the dendrite growth of zinc has a great influence on the cycle life of zinc air battery. The dendrite growth problem limits its wide application in transportation and energy storage fields. The dendrite growth of zinc-air battery will bring many adverse effects to the battery, and serious cases will cause internal short circuit, induce fire and explosion, and other safety accidents.

[0003] At present, there are very few patents about inhibiting dendrite growth of zinc air battery, and only a small amount of literature reports strategies for inhibiting dendrite growth of zinc air battery. Most of these strategies are to add reagents to the electrolyte to inhibit dendrite growth. Although this method can delay dendrite growth to some extent, the addition of additives also reduces the ion transport capacity of the electrolyte, which reduces the charge and discharge efficiency of the zinc air battery. UTILITY MODEL CONTENT

[0004] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, the utility model embodiment provides a device for inhibiting dendrite growth of zinc air battery. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] A device for inhibiting dendrite growth of zinc air battery, comprising an electrolyte storage tank and a zinc air battery, the electrolyte storage tank and the zinc air battery are communicated to form a closed loop, electrolyte flows from the electrolyte storage tank into the zinc air battery and then flows back to the electrolyte storage tank to realize circulation, the zinc air battery is connected to a blue electricity test system, and the blue electricity test system performs charge and discharge test.

[0006] Optionally, one side of the zinc air battery is provided with a liquid inlet, the liquid inlet is arranged at the upper end of the side wall of the zinc air battery, the other side of the zinc air battery is provided with a liquid outlet, and the liquid outlet is arranged at the lower end of the side wall of the zinc air battery.

[0007] Optionally, the electrolyte storage tank is communicated with the liquid inlet through a peristaltic pump, and the liquid outlet is communicated with the electrolyte storage tank through an electrolyte pipeline.

[0008] Optionally, the zinc-air battery includes a housing with a built-in cavity for holding electrolyte. The electrolyte inlet is located on the outer wall of one side of the housing, and the electrolyte outlet is located on the outer wall of the other side of the housing. Both the electrolyte inlet and the electrolyte outlet are connected to the cavity.

[0009] Optionally, a zinc electrode and an air electrode are provided at the top of the zinc-air battery. Both the zinc electrode and the air electrode are in communication with the electrolyte in the cavity. The blue electric test system is connected to the zinc electrode and the air electrode respectively to form a closed circuit.

[0010] Optionally, a slot is provided at the top of the zinc-air battery, the shape and size of which are adapted to the shape and size of the zinc electrode, through which the zinc electrode is removed or installed.

[0011] Optionally, the line connecting the inlet and the outlet makes an angle of 45° with the horizontal direction.

[0012] Optionally, the flow rate of the electrolyte in the zinc-air battery is 30 mL / min to 40 mL / min.

[0013] Optionally, a sealing gasket is provided on the sidewall of the cavity, the sealing gasket being used to seal the electrolyte.

[0014] Optionally, the contact surface between the air electrode and the electrolyte is a catalytic oxidation layer, and the contact surface between the air electrode and air is an oxygen-rich layer.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this utility model embodiment include at least the following:

[0016] This invention employs an electrolyte with a specific flow rate to reduce the zinc ion concentration gradient at the dendrite tips during the charging and discharging process of a zinc-air battery, thereby enabling zinc ions to be uniformly deposited on the zinc electrode. Furthermore, the fluid-flowing electrolyte can alter the growth direction of the zinc dendrites in the zinc-air battery, changing their growth direction from vertical to oriented towards the periphery of the zinc plate. This effectively delays the time it takes for the dendrites to reach the air electrode, thus inhibiting dendrite growth, extending the lifespan of the zinc-air battery, and reducing its operational risks.

[0017] The design of the inlet utilizes the principle of projectile motion in physics, which allows the electrolyte entering the zinc-air battery to have a certain flow rate in both the horizontal and vertical directions. This greatly increases the coverage area of ​​the fluid electrolyte on the zinc electrode plate, altering the deposition sites and growth direction of zinc dendrites, thereby effectively inhibiting the growth of zinc dendrites.

[0018] The diagonal flow dynamic electrolyte of this invention can effectively inhibit the growth of zinc dendrites, extend the battery's service life, and reduce the risk of short circuits. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Fig. 1 A connection diagram of the components of the device for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries provided by this utility model;

[0021] Fig. 2 A front view of the zinc-air battery for the device of this utility model for suppressing dendrite growth in a zinc-air battery;

[0022] Fig. 3 A side view of a zinc-air battery for the device of the present invention for suppressing dendrite growth in a zinc-air battery.

[0023] Figure label:

[0024] 1. Electrolyte storage tank; 2. Peristaltic pump; 3. Blue Electricity testing system; 4. Zinc-air battery; 5. Electrolyte pipeline; 6. Shell; 7. Inlet; 8. Slot; 9. Copper wire; 10. Zinc electrode; 11. Screw hole; 12. Outlet; 13. Air electrode; 14. Sealing gasket; 15. Electrolyte. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0027] It should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", and "back" used in this utility model are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0028] like Figs. 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a device for suppressing dendrite growth in a zinc-air battery; it includes an electrolyte storage tank 1 and a zinc-air battery 4. The zinc-air battery 4 includes a housing 6 with a built-in cavity. An inlet 7 is provided at the upper end of one side wall of the housing 6, communicating with the cavity. An outlet 12 is provided at the lower end of the other side wall of the housing 6, communicating with the cavity. The inlet 7 and outlet 12 are diagonally arranged. A sealing gasket 14 is provided on the side wall of the housing, and holes are provided on the sealing gasket 14 at positions corresponding to the inlet 7 and outlet 12, so that the inlet 7 and outlet 12 communicate with the cavity.

[0029] Electrolyte storage tank 1 is connected to inlet 7 via peristaltic pump 2, and electrolyte is delivered into cavity through inlet 7. Cavity is used to hold electrolyte. Outlet 12 is connected to electrolyte storage tank 1 via electrolyte pipeline 5. Electrolyte flows back to electrolyte storage tank 1 from outlet 12 and electrolyte pipeline 5 to achieve circulation. That is, electrolyte storage tank 1 forms a closed loop with zinc-air battery 4 through electrolyte pipeline 5, and electrolyte circulates in the closed loop.

[0030] A zinc electrode 10 is installed inside the cavity and is placed in the electrolyte. The zinc electrode 10 is exposed at the top of the zinc-air battery 4 through a copper wire 9. An air electrode 13 is also installed at the top of the zinc-air battery 4. The air electrode 13 is in contact with the electrolyte. The zinc electrode 10 is connected to the Blue Electricity Test System 3 (LAND Battery Test System) through a copper wire. The air electrode 13 is connected to the Blue Electricity Test System 3. That is, the electrolyte, zinc electrode 10, Blue Electricity Test System 3 and air electrode 13 form a closed circuit. That is, the zinc-air battery 4 is connected to the Blue Electricity Test System 3, and the Blue Electricity Test System 3 performs charge and discharge tests.

[0031] The zinc-air battery 4 has a slot 8 at its top. The shape and size of the slot 8 are adapted to the shape and size of the zinc electrode 10. The zinc electrode 10 can be removed or inserted through the slot 8, which makes it convenient and quick to replace zinc electrodes with poor conductivity or those that are about to be retired.

[0032] The inlet 7 and outlet 12 are designed diagonally on the same plane. That is, in the side view of the zinc-air battery 4, the projection of the outlet 12 is directly below the inlet 7, and the center of the inlet 7 and the center of the projection of the outlet 12 are on the same straight line. The angle between the line connecting the inlet 7 and the outlet 12 and the horizontal direction is 45°. The inlet 7 and outlet 12 are circular with the same size, and their inner diameter is 3 mm to 5 mm. The flow rate of the electrolyte in the cavity is 30 mL / min to 40 mL / min. The inlet 7 and outlet 12 are located between the zinc electrode 10 and the air electrode 13.

[0033] The housing 6 is made of acrylic, which has good transparency, long service life, and resistance to strong acids and alkalis. The sealing gasket 14 is made of silicone and is used to seal the electrolyte, and is also resistant to strong acids and alkalis. Six screw holes 11 are evenly arranged on the housing 6, and screws and nuts are installed in the screw holes 11. The screws and nuts are made of 304 stainless steel, the nuts are wing-shaped, and the length of the screw is 1.5 times the thickness of the zinc-air battery box. The screws and nuts are used to fasten the housing 6.

[0034] The air electrode 13 is mainly composed of carbon cloth, cobalt oxide catalyst, polytetrafluoroethylene binder, and nickel foam. The surface of the air electrode 13 in contact with the electrolyte is a catalytic oxidation layer, and the surface in contact with air is an air enrichment layer.

[0035] The working process of this utility model:

[0036] First, connect the zinc electrode 10 to the copper wire 9. Then, seal the parts of the zinc electrode 10 that do not need to participate in the reaction with epoxy resin adhesive and epoxy resin curing agent. The ratio of epoxy resin adhesive to epoxy resin curing agent is 1:1. Curing is carried out at room temperature for more than 12 hours. Place the sealed zinc electrode 10 into the zinc-air battery 4, add a 6 mol / L KOH electrolyte, and let it stand for 1 minute after the electrolyte completely covers the zinc electrode 10 and the air electrode 13. Then, connect the external blue battery testing system 3 to the zinc-air battery 4 for charge-discharge testing. At this time, the electrolyte is a static electrolyte. After 100 charge-discharge cycles, remove the zinc electrode 10 and observe its dendrite growth using SEM. When the zinc-air battery 4 is charged and discharged under static electrolyte, the zinc dendrites on the zinc electrode 10 will grow wildly in an upright tree-like shape. When the number of charge-discharge cycles is large, the zinc dendrites will grow to the cathode, causing a short circuit inside the battery.

[0037] Connect the zinc electrode 10 to the copper wire 9, and then seal the parts of the zinc electrode 10 that do not need to participate in the reaction with epoxy resin adhesive and epoxy resin curing agent. The ratio of epoxy resin adhesive to epoxy resin curing agent is 1:1. Cure at room temperature for more than 12 hours. Place the sealed zinc electrode 10 into the device. The 6 mol / L KOH electrolyte flows out from the electrolyte storage tank 1. After the speed is regulated by the peristaltic pump 2 (flow rate is 20 mL / min), it flows into the zinc-air battery device 4 from the inlet 7. The electrolyte flowing into the zinc-air battery 4 returns to the electrolyte storage tank 1 from the outlet 12 through the electrolyte pipe 5. After the electrolyte completely covers the zinc electrode 10 and the air electrode 13, let it stand for 1 minute, and then connect the external blue battery test system 3 to charge and discharge the zinc-air battery 4. After 100 charge and discharge cycles, take out the zinc electrode and observe its dendrite growth by SEM. When the electrolyte flow rate is 20 mL / min during the charging and discharging of the zinc-air battery 4, the growth direction of zinc dendrites is significantly affected, changing from upright growth to growth towards the zinc electrode.

[0038] First, connect the zinc electrode 10 to the copper wire 9. Then, seal the parts of the zinc electrode 10 that do not need to participate in the reaction with epoxy resin adhesive and epoxy resin curing agent. The ratio of epoxy resin adhesive to epoxy resin curing agent is 1:1. Cure at room temperature for more than 12 hours. Place the sealed zinc electrode 10 into the device. 6 mol / L KOH electrolyte flows out from the electrolyte storage tank 1. After the peristaltic pump 2 regulates the speed (flow rate is 30-40 mL / min), it flows into the zinc-air battery device 4 from the inlet 7. The electrolyte flowing into the zinc-air battery 4 returns to the electrolyte storage tank 1 from the outlet 12 through the electrolyte pipe 5. After the electrolyte completely covers the zinc electrode 10 and the air electrode 13, let it stand for 1 minute before connecting the external blue battery test system 3 to perform charge and discharge tests on the zinc-air battery 4. After 100 charge and discharge cycles, remove the zinc electrode and observe its dendrite growth using SEM. When the electrolyte flow rate is 30-40 mL / min, the dendrite growth of the zinc-air battery 4 is significantly inhibited. Most of the zinc dendrites have been uniformly deposited on the zinc electrode 10, and only a small number of zinc dendrites grow towards the periphery of the zinc electrode 10.

[0039] This solution employs an electrolyte with a specific flow rate to reduce the zinc ion concentration gradient at the dendrite tips during the charging and discharging process of the zinc-air battery, thereby enabling zinc ions to be uniformly deposited on the zinc electrode. Furthermore, the fluid-flowing electrolyte can alter the growth direction of the zinc dendrites in the zinc-air battery, changing it from upright growth to growth oriented towards the periphery of the zinc plate. This effectively delays the time it takes for the dendrites to reach the air electrode, thus inhibiting dendrite growth, extending the lifespan of the zinc-air battery, and reducing its operational risks.

[0040] The design of the inlet utilizes the principle of projectile motion in physics, which allows the electrolyte entering the zinc-air battery to have a certain flow rate in both the horizontal and vertical directions. This greatly increases the coverage area of ​​the fluid electrolyte on the zinc electrode plate, altering the deposition sites and growth direction of zinc dendrites, thereby effectively inhibiting the growth of zinc dendrites.

[0041] The diagonal flow dynamic electrolyte of this invention can effectively inhibit the growth of zinc dendrites, extend the battery's service life, and reduce the risk of short circuits.

[0042] The following points need to be explained:

[0043] (1) The accompanying drawings of this utility model embodiment only involve the structure involved in this utility model embodiment. Other structures can refer to the general design.

[0044] (2) For clarity, the thickness of layers or regions is enlarged or reduced in the drawings used to describe embodiments of the present invention, i.e., these drawings are not drawn to scale. It is understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region or substrate is referred to as being “above” or “below” another element, the element may be “directly” located “above” or “below” the other element or there may be intermediate elements.

[0045] (3) Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this utility model and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0046] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. The protection scope of this utility model shall be determined by the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A device for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries, characterized in that, The device includes an electrolyte storage tank and a zinc-air battery. The electrolyte storage tank and the zinc-air battery are connected to form a closed loop. The electrolyte flows from the electrolyte storage tank into the zinc-air battery and then back to the electrolyte storage tank to achieve circulation. The zinc-air battery is connected to a blue-electricity testing system, which performs charge and discharge tests.

2. The apparatus for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The zinc-air battery has a liquid inlet on one side, located at the upper end of the side wall of the zinc-air battery, and a liquid outlet on the other side, located at the lower end of the side wall of the zinc-air battery.

3. The apparatus for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrolyte storage tank is connected to the inlet via a peristaltic pump, and the outlet is connected to the electrolyte storage tank via an electrolyte pipeline.

4. The apparatus for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries according to claim 2, characterized in that, The zinc-air battery includes a housing with a built-in cavity for holding electrolyte. The electrolyte inlet is located on the outer wall of one side of the housing, and the electrolyte outlet is located on the outer wall of the other side of the housing. Both the electrolyte inlet and the electrolyte outlet are connected to the cavity.

5. The apparatus for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries according to claim 4, characterized in that, The zinc-air battery has a zinc electrode and an air electrode at its top. Both the zinc electrode and the air electrode are connected to the electrolyte in the cavity. The blue electric test system is connected to the zinc electrode and the air electrode respectively to form a closed circuit.

6. The apparatus for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries according to claim 5, characterized in that, The zinc-air battery has a slot at its top, the shape and size of which are adapted to the shape and size of the zinc electrode, through which the zinc electrode can be removed or installed.

7. The apparatus for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries according to claim 2, characterized in that, The line connecting the inlet and the outlet makes an angle of 45° with the horizontal direction.

8. The apparatus for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow rate of the electrolyte in the zinc-air battery is 30 mL / min to 40 mL / min.

9. The apparatus for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cavity is provided with a sealing gasket on its side wall, and the sealing gasket is used to seal the electrolyte.

10. The apparatus for suppressing dendrite growth in zinc-air batteries according to claim 5, characterized in that, The contact surface between the air electrode and the electrolyte is a catalytic oxidation layer, and the contact surface between the air electrode and air is an oxygen-rich layer.

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