Electrode assembly and radioisotope battery comprising same

Abstract

The present application can provide an electrode assembly and a radioisotope battery comprising same, the electrode assembly being wound in one direction around a central axis to form a jelly roll in a state in which a first electrode, a second electrode, an energy conversion layer positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a radioactive source provided between the first electrode and the energy conversion layer and / or between the second electrode and the energy conversion layer are stacked.

Description

Electrode assembly and radioisotope battery including the same

[0001] The present application relates to an electrode assembly and a radioisotope battery comprising the same.

[0002] The present application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0148743 filed on October 28, 2024, and all contents described in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated into this specification as part of.

[0003] A radioisotope is an element that decays into a stable isotope while emitting radiation. Known modes of radioisotope decay include alpha decay, beta decay, and gamma decay. Depending on the type of radioisotope, it emits alpha, beta, or gamma rays as it decays. Meanwhile, the time it takes for a radioisotope to decay and reduce its radioactivity to half of its initial level is called the half-life. The type of radiation emitted during decay and the half-life are determined by the type of radioisotope.

[0004] Generally, a radioisotope battery is a battery that utilizes radiation emitted from a radioisotope. The radiation is absorbed by a PN junction semiconductor to form electron-hole pairs from the depletion layer, and the formed electrons and holes can be used as an electrical power source. In other words, a radioisotope battery is a battery designed to convert the nuclear fission energy of a radioisotope into electrical energy for use as an electrical power source.

[0005] The present application aims to provide an electrode assembly applicable to electronic products requiring high power by producing high-density power, a radioisotope battery including the same, and a battery pack including the radioisotope battery.

[0006] An electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application may be wound in one direction around a central axis to form a jelly roll, wherein the electrode assembly comprises: a first electrode; a second electrode; an energy conversion layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a radioactive source located between at least one of the space between the first electrode and the energy conversion layer and the space between the second electrode and the energy conversion layer.

[0007] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, an insulating layer may be further included that is positioned along an outer surface not facing the radiation source of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0008] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the insulating layer comprises a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer, wherein the first insulating layer is located along the outer surface of the first electrode and the second insulating layer may be located along the outer surface of the second electrode.

[0009] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the radioactive source comprises a first radioactive source and a second radioactive source, the first radioactive source may be located between the first electrode and the energy conversion layer, and the second radioactive source may be located between the second electrode and the energy conversion layer.

[0010] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the radioactive source may be positioned along an inner surface facing the energy conversion layer of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0011] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the radioactive source may be provided along the inner surface such that the content of the radioactive source decreases as the distance from the central axis increases.

[0012] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, at least one inner surface of the first electrode and the second electrode includes at least one groove, and the radioactive source may be located in the groove.

[0013] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the groove comprises a plurality of grooves spaced apart from each other, and the portion of the inner surface without a groove may be located between at least two adjacent grooves among the plurality of grooves.

[0014] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the radioactive source may include a radioactive isotope that emits alpha particles or beta particles.

[0015] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, a third electrode located between the energy conversion layer and the radioactive source may be further included.

[0016] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the energy conversion layer comprises a first energy conversion layer and a second energy conversion layer, the first energy conversion layer comprises a first type semiconductor material adjacent to the first electrode, and the second energy conversion layer may comprise a second type semiconductor material adjacent to the second electrode.

[0017] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, one of the first type semiconductor material and the second type semiconductor material is a P-type semiconductor, and the other of the first type semiconductor material and the second type semiconductor material is an N-type semiconductor, and a PN junction layer may be included at the interface between the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor.

[0018] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the first electrode may be in contact with at least a portion of the first energy conversion layer, and the second electrode may be in contact with at least a portion of the second energy conversion layer.

[0019] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the radioactive source may be in contact with the first energy conversion layer at an uneven interface.

[0020] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the first electrode and the second electrode may additionally include a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab, respectively, on at least a portion of an outer surface that does not face the energy conversion layer.

[0021] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, a central member oriented along the central axis may be further included.

[0022] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, a protective layer may be further included that is positioned along an outer surface not facing the radioactive source of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0023] In an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the energy conversion layer may include a seed layer or a catalyst particle layer.

[0024] A radioisotope battery according to one embodiment of the present application may include: the electrode assembly; a housing that accommodates the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly provided to cover the open upper portion of the housing.

[0025] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present application may include the radioactive isotope battery.

[0026] The present application provides an electrode assembly applicable to electronic products requiring high power by producing high-density power and a radioisotope battery including the same, and further provides a battery pack and / or power device including the radioisotope battery.

[0027] The drawings shown in this application are in accordance with embodiments of this application, and the ratios of the width, height, or thickness (or height) of each component are intended to explain this application in detail and may differ from the actual. Additionally, in the coordinate system shown in the drawings, each axis may be perpendicular to the others, the direction indicated by the arrow may be the + direction, and the direction exactly opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow (a direction rotated 180 degrees) may be the - direction.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating at least a part of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating at least a part of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating at least a portion of a first electrode according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating at least a portion of a second electrode according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating at least a portion of a first electrode according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating at least a portion of a second electrode according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating at least a portion of a first electrode according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating at least a portion of a first electrode according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0037] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating at least a portion of a first electrode according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating at least a portion of a first electrode according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating at least a portion of a first electrode according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0041] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0042] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0043] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0044] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0045] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of a radioactive isotope battery according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0046] FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of a radioactive isotope battery according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0047] FIGS. 20a to 20e are cross-sectional views showing the interface shape of a first energy conversion layer and a second energy conversion layer according to one embodiment.

[0048] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0049] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0050] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0051] FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0052] Prior to the detailed description of this application, terms and words used in this specification and claims may not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Furthermore, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of terms to best describe their invention, they may be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention. The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of this application and may not represent all of the technical spirit of this application. Therefore, various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0053] Identical reference numbers or symbols in each drawing attached to this specification may represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if components having the same reference number are depicted in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings may not all represent a single embodiment.

[0054] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprising" or "constituting" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0055] Additionally, in the following description, expressions such as upper side, top, lower side, bottom, side, front, and rear are based on the direction depicted in the drawing, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object changes.

[0056] Additionally, in this specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. Such ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the meaning of the terms should not be limited by the use of such ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be limited by the number. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0057] In this specification, the term "battery" may be a collective term for a battery cell, a battery module containing a battery cell, or a battery pack, which are units thereof.

[0058] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present application is not limited to the embodiments presented. For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the scope of the present application may propose other embodiments that fall within the scope of the scope of the present application by adding, changing, or deleting components, and such are also to be considered to be within the scope of the scope of the present application. In the drawings, the shapes and sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0060] In one example, the electrode assembly (10) may be an electrode assembly formed by winding in one direction around a central axis in a stacked state to form a jelly roll, comprising: a first electrode (111); a second electrode (112); an energy conversion layer (130) located between the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112); and a radioactive source (120) located between at least one of the first electrode (111) and the energy conversion layer (130) and between the second electrode (112) and the energy conversion layer (130). As shown in FIG. 1, the radioactive source (120) may be located in the space between the first electrode (111) and the energy conversion layer (130). The first electrode (111), the second electrode (112), the energy conversion layer (130), and the radioactive source (120) may be an electrode assembly wound in one direction around a central member (150) (arranged along a central axis) in a stacked state. The electrode assembly (10) may include an insulating layer (160) on the side not facing the radioactive source (120) of at least one of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112). The side not facing the radioactive source (120) of at least one of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may refer to the outer side of each electrode not facing the radioactive source.

[0061] In the case where a radioactive source is stacked between an electrode and an energy conversion layer, as in the electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, compared to an electrode assembly in which the radioactive source is positioned on the opposite side or outside of the electrode from the energy conversion layer, the distance for radiation emitted from the radioactive source to reach the energy conversion layer is relatively short and the amount of radioactive isotope delivered to the energy conversion layer per unit time is greater, thus providing superior efficiency. Additionally, since the electrode is positioned outside the radioactive source and has the function of shielding or blocking radiation, it has a safer effect in terms of radiation shielding or blocking.

[0062] In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the electrode assembly (10) may be a jelly roll type electrode assembly wound in one direction around a central member (150).

[0063] One of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may include an anode that provides electrons, and the other of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may include a cathode that receives electrons.

[0064] In one example, the second electrode (112) may be the opposite electrode of the first electrode (111). That is, if the first electrode (111) is an anode, the second electrode (112) may be a cathode, and if the first electrode (111) is a cathode, the second electrode (112) may be an anode.

[0065] In one example, the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may include a current collector. The type, size, and shape thereof of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) are not particularly limited as long as they possess electrical conductivity without causing physical and chemical changes in the radioisotope battery. For example, the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may each independently include a metal material such as gold (Au), silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), stainless steel, copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), or titanium (Ti), or fluorine (F)-doped tin oxide (FTO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin oxide (ITO). 2-x Sn x O3, 0 <x<2)과 같은 투명 산화물을 포함하거나, 또는 탄소 나노 튜브(carbon nano tube), 그래핀(graphene), 환원 그래핀 또는 산화 그래핀 등 탄소 계열 화합물을 포함할 수 있다.

[0066] The first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may be the same or different from each other.

[0067] An electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application may include an energy conversion layer (130) between the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112).

[0068] In one example, the energy conversion layer (130) can form electron-hole pairs by radiation emitted from a radioactive source (120). In one example, the energy conversion layer (130) can be provided as an inorganic layer, an organic layer, a dye-sensitized layer, or a combination thereof, and can generate electrical energy by forming electron-hole pairs by radiation.

[0069] In one example, the inorganic layer may include an inorganic material that generates electrical energy upon receiving light. The inorganic material may include, for example, silicon, single-crystal silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, InGaSe, CuSe, InSe, InGaP, GaAs, chalcopyrite compounds, perovskite compounds, or kesterite compounds.

[0070] The above InGaSe layer may include one or a mixture of In, In4Se3, InSe, In2Se3, GaSe, Ga2Se3, and Se, the above CuSe layer may include one or a mixture of Cu, Cu2Se, CuSe2, and Se, and the above InSe layer may include one or a mixture of In, In4Se3, InSe, In2Se3, and Se.

[0071] The above chalcopyrite compound may include, for example, at least one selected from CuAlS2, CuAlSe2, CuAlTe2, CuGaS2, CuGaSe2, CuGaTe2, CuInS2, CuInSe2, CuInTe2, AgAlS2, AgAlSe2, AgAlTe2, AgGaS2, AgGaSe2, AgGaTe2, AgInS2, AgInSe2, AgInTe2, and combinations thereof.

[0072] The above perovskite compound may include, for example, at least one selected from SrTiO3, CaTiO3, and combinations thereof.

[0073] The above castorite compound is, for example, a castorite compound of group I2-II-IV-VI4, and specifically may include at least one selected from Cu2ZnSnS4, Cu2ZnSnSe4, Cu2ZnGeS4, Cu2ZnGeSe4, Cu2MnSnS4, Cu2MnSnSe4, Cu2MnGeS4, Cu2MnGeSe4, Ag2ZnSnS4, Ag2ZnSnSe4, Ag2ZnGeS4, Ag2MnSnS4, Ag2MnSnSe4, Ag2MnGeS4, Ag2MnGeSe4, and combinations thereof.

[0074] In one example, the energy conversion layer (130) may include an organic material used in organic layers that receive light and generate electrical energy in fields such as solar cells. For example, the energy conversion layer (130) may include a thiophene-type compound. Meanwhile, the energy conversion layer (130) may be an organic-inorganic hybrid type formed by appropriately mixing the aforementioned inorganic material and organic material.

[0075] The above organic material is, for example, fullerene (C 60It may include )-type compounds, phenanthroline derivatives such as 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (BCP), phenylpyridine derivatives such as 4,6-bis(3,5-di-4-pyridinylphenyl)-2-methylpyrimidine (B4PymPm) or tris(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl)borane (3TPYMB), thiophene derivatives such as poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl)(P3HT), phthalocyanine derivatives, porphyrin derivatives, triarylamine derivatives, carbazole derivatives, or oligothiophene derivatives.

[0076] In addition, the above-mentioned organic-inorganic hybrid type may include organic-inorganic perovskite compounds, for example, halide-based organic-inorganic perovskite compounds. Specific examples include CH3NH3PbI3, CH3NH3PbBr3, CH3NH3PbCl3, CH3NH3SnI3, CH3NH3SnBr3, CH3NH3SnCl3, and CH3NH3PbI3 (3-x) Cl x , CH3NH3PbI (3-x) Br x , CH3NH3PbBr (3-x) Cl x , CH3NH3Pb (1-y) Sn y I3, CH3NH3Pb (1-y) Sn y Br3, CH3NH3Pb (1-y) Sn y Cl3, CH3NH3Pb (1-y) Sn y I (3-x) Cl x , CH3NH3Pb (1-y) Sn y I (3-x) Br x and CH3NH3Pb (1-y) Sn y Br (3-x) Cl xIt may include at least one selected from (0≤x≤3, 0≤y≤1), and may include CFH2NH3, CF2HNH3, CF3NH3, or NH2CH=NH2 instead of CH3NH3 in the above compound.

[0077] Alternatively, in one example, the energy conversion layer (130) may include a scintillator that absorbs the energy of radiation emitted from a radioactive source (120) and converts it into light energy or electrical energy. Additionally, at least one surface of the energy conversion layer (130) may include a thin film layer containing a scintillator.

[0078] In one example, the scintillator may include, but is not limited to, inorganic compounds such as NaI(Tl), CsI(Tl), GoS, CsI(Na), CsI(pure), CsF, KI(Tl), LiI(Eu), BGO, BaF2, CaF2(Eu), ZnS(Ag), CaWO4, CdWO4, YAG(Ce) (Y3Al5O12(Ce)), GSO, LSO, GAGG:Ce, ZnO(Ga), LaCl3(Ce) or LaBr3(Ce); organic compounds such as anthracene, stilbene, naphthalene, or polyethylene naphthalate; or a combination thereof.

[0079] In one example, the energy conversion layer (130) may include a first energy conversion layer (131) comprising a first type semiconductor adjacent to the first electrode (111) and a second energy conversion layer (132) comprising a second type semiconductor adjacent to the second electrode (112).

[0080] In one example, one of the first type semiconductor and the second type semiconductor may be a P-type semiconductor and the other may be an N-type semiconductor. That is, the first type semiconductor and the second type semiconductor may be of different types. For example, if the first type semiconductor is a P-type semiconductor, the second type semiconductor may be an N-type semiconductor, and if the first type semiconductor is an N-type semiconductor, the second type semiconductor may be a P-type semiconductor.

[0081] In one example, a PN junction layer (or intrinsic semiconductor layer) (not shown) formed at the interface between the first type semiconductor and the second type semiconductor, where the P-type semiconductor and the N-type semiconductor come into contact with each other, may be additionally included. A PN junction layer may be included at the interface between the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132). Electron-hole pairs may be formed in the PN junction layer. In particular, as the surface area of ​​the junction interface of the PN junction layer increases, the amount of electron-hole pairs formed per unit time increases, so the efficiency of the radioactive isotope battery is improved.

[0082] In an electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application, in order to increase the surface area where the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132) come into contact with each other, the surface of the interface where the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132) face each other may have an uneven shape such as a straight line (Fig. 20a), a concave-convex block or box shape (Fig. 20b), a concave-convex triangle shape (Fig. 20c), a wave shape (Fig. 20d), or a sinusoidal shape or a stepped triangle shape (Fig. 20e). However, this is merely an example and is not specifically limited to increasing the surface area. In one example, the aforementioned interface may be implemented by forming a microstructure using methods such as printing using a cliché, lithography, or wet or dry etching.

[0083] In one example, even when the interface of the energy conversion layer is planar, a non-uniform interface can be formed to improve the surface area. The non-uniform interface may include a shape having irregularities with a difference in height from the plane of the interface. When the interface between the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132) has a shape having irregularities such as a concave-convex block or box shape, a concave-convex triangle shape, a wave shape, a sinusoidal (sine wave) shape, or a stepped triangle shape, the distance between the low point and the high point of the irregularities of the interface in the stacking direction of the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132) can be called the height (h) (this is the radial direction of the electrode assembly when rolled into a jelly roll shape), and the height (h) of the irregularities can be 1% to 90% of the thickness of the first energy conversion layer (131) or the second energy conversion layer (132), specifically 1% to 80%, 1% to 70%, 5% to 60%, or 10% to 50%, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] In the case where the interface between the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132) has the non-uniform interface or irregularity, the width (d) of the irregularity pattern of the interface in a direction perpendicular to the height (h) direction of the irregularity pattern is 1 / 10 of the width of the first energy conversion layer (131) or the second energy conversion layer (132) (e.g., the total width of the energy conversion layer in the central axis direction). 6 It can be % to 30%, and 1 / 10 5 % to 20%, 1 / 10 3 It may be % to 20%, or 0.01% to 10%, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] In addition, the ratio (B / AX 100) of the surface area (B) formed by the irregularities formed at the interface and the area (A) when the surface where the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132) meet is cut flat without irregularities in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and the surface area (B) formed by the irregularities formed at the interface may be 110% to 400%. Specifically, the ratio may be 110% to 300%, 120% to 300%, and preferably 120% to 250%. When the ratio of the area (A) when the surface where the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132) meet is cut in a flat plane without irregularities in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction, and the surface area (B) formed by the irregularities formed at the interface satisfies the above range, the surface area of ​​the bonding interface increases, and thus the amount of electron-hole pairs formed by radiation reaching increases, so the efficiency of the battery is improved.

[0086] In the present specification, the P-type semiconductor may be silicon or diamond doped with, for example, boron (B), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), or indium (In), which are group 13 elements of the periodic table, or a compound semiconductor doped with boron (B), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), or indium (In), which are group 13 elements of the periodic table.

[0087] In the present specification, the N-type semiconductor may be, for example, silicon or diamond doped with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), or antimony, which are group 15 elements of the periodic table, or a compound semiconductor doped with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), or antimony, which are group 15 elements of the periodic table.

[0088] In this specification, a compound semiconductor means a semiconductor composed of two or more elements, and may be, for example, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, aluminum phosphide (AlP), aluminum arsenide (AlAs), gallium arsenide (GaAs) or gallium nitride (GaN).

[0089] When the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132) form a homojunction, a metal oxide having the chemical formula AMO3 (wherein A is one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Ba, Sr, and K, and M is one or more selected from the group consisting of Al, In, Ga, Ti, Sn, Hf, Ta, and Zr) may be used as the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132). For example, BaSnO3, BaHfO3, BaZrO3, BaHf 1-x Ti x O3(here 0 <x<1), Ba 1-x La x SnO3(here 0 <x<1), Bi4Ge3O 12 , Al2O3, Y2O3, La2O3, Ga2O3, Bi2O3, ZrO2, HfO2, Ta2O5, TiO2, LaInO3, LaGaO3, SrZrO3, SrHfO3, SrTaO7, LaIn 1-x Ga x O3(here 0 <x<1), LaGaO3, SrTiO3, KTaO3, HfSiO4, Ta3Ti2O x (Here 0 <x<1) 및 LaAlO3로 구성되는 군으로부터 선택된 1종 이상을 포함할 수 있다.

[0090] An electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application may include a radioactive source (120).

[0091] In one example, the radioactive source (120) is a concept including a radiation source or a radioactivity source, and the radioactive source may include a radionuclide that emits radiation including at least one selected from, for example, gamma particles (gamma rays), alpha particles (alpha rays), beta particles (beta rays) and neutron radiation (neutron rays).

[0092] The above radioactive source may include a radioactive isotope. In one example, the radioactive source (120) may include a radioactive isotope that emits alpha particles (alpha rays), a radioactive isotope that emits beta particles (beta rays), or a combination of both.

[0093] In one example, the radioactive source (120) may include a radioactive isotope that emits alpha particles (alpha rays), for example, the radioactive source (120) may be americium-241 ( 241 Am), americium-243( 243 Am), polonium-209( 209 Po), polonium-210( 210 Po), plutonium-238( 238 Pu), Plutonium-239 ( 239 Pu), curium-242( 242 Cm), curium-244( 244 Cm), curium-249( 249 Cm), promethium-147( 147 Pm), uranium-238( 238 U), thorium-232( 232 Th), Radium-226( 226 Ra), bismuth-210( 210 Bi), neptunium-237( 237 Np), europium-152( 152Eu), Francium-223 223 Fr), astatine-210( 210 At), protactinium-231( 231 Pa), einsteinium-253( 253 Es), californium-252( 2520 Cf), and berkelium-249( 249 It may include one or more selected from the group consisting of Bk), but is not limited thereto.

[0094] In one example, the radioactive source (120) may include a radioactive isotope that emits beta particles (beta rays), for example, the radioactive source (120) may be tritium ( 3 H, tritium), potassium-45( 45 Ca), nickel-63 63 Ni), copper-67 67 Cu), strontium-90 ( 90 Sr), promethium-147( 147 Pm), osmium-194( 194 OS), Thulium-171( 171 Tm), tantalum-179( 179 Ta), cadmium-109( 109 Cd), germanium-68 68 Ge), cerium-159( 159 Ce) and tungsten-181( 181 It may include one or more selected from the group consisting of W), but is not limited thereto.

[0095] An electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application includes at least one groove (113 or 114) on a surface facing the energy conversion layer (130) of at least one of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112), and the radioactive source (120) may be positioned in the groove (113, 114). The surface facing the energy conversion layer (130) of at least one of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may refer to the inner surface of each electrode facing the energy conversion layer.

[0096] The method of forming grooves in the first electrode and the second electrode may use, for example, wet etching, dry etching, roll-to-roll, or photoresist methods, but is not limited thereto.

[0097] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first electrode (111) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second electrode (112) according to one embodiment.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 4, the first electrode (111) may include a groove (113) on the surface facing the energy conversion layer (130), and a radioactive source (120) may be located in the groove (113).

[0099] As shown in FIG. 5, the second electrode (112) may include a groove (114) on the surface facing the energy conversion layer (130), and a radioactive source (120) may be located in the groove (114).

[0100] At this time, the shape and depth of the grooves (113, 114) are not limited as long as they allow a radioactive source (120) to be placed (or embedded) on one surface of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112). The groove (113) of the first electrode (111) and the groove (114) of the second electrode (112) may have the same shape as each other or may be different from each other.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 6, the groove (113) may be formed by spaced-apart grooves on one side of the electrode (e.g., the first electrode (111)) (the side facing the energy conversion layer (130), e.g., the inner side), and the groove (113) may be spaced apart so that a portion of the inner side of the electrode (111) that is not grooved is located between adjacent grooves (113). As shown in FIG. 7, when the groove (114) is formed on one side of the electrode (e.g., the second electrode (112)) (the side facing the energy conversion layer (130), e.g., the inner side), the edge portion that is recessed into the electrode may have a rounded shape.

[0102] FIGS. 8 to 12 represent a cross-section of the first electrode (111) according to one embodiment, as viewed from the energy conversion layer (130).

[0103] As shown in FIG. 8, in one embodiment, a groove (113) may be formed on one side of the first electrode (111), and a radioactive source (120) may be disposed inside the groove (113).

[0104] As shown in FIG. 9, in one embodiment, a plurality of grooves (113) may be formed on one surface of the first electrode (111) that extend along one direction (e.g., x-axis direction) and are spaced apart in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction (e.g., y-axis direction) and are formed parallel to each other, and a radiation source (120) may be disposed inside the grooves (113). Alternatively, although not shown in the drawings, a plurality of grooves (113) may be formed on one surface of the first electrode (111) that extend along the y-axis direction and are spaced apart in the x-axis direction orthogonal to the extension direction and are formed parallel to each other.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, a grid pattern or a mesh-shaped groove or grooves (113) may be formed on one surface of the first electrode (111), and a radioactive source (120) may be placed inside the groove (113).

[0106] As shown in FIG. 11, in one embodiment, a plurality of grooves (113) may be formed on one surface of the first electrode (111) in a certain row and column, spaced apart in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction, respectively, and as shown in FIG. 12, in one embodiment, a plurality of grooves (113) may be formed on one surface of the first electrode (111) spaced apart from each other along either the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction (e.g., in a zigzag pattern or arrangement).

[0107] Referring to FIG. 4, the height (H2) of the groove (113, 114) may be 1% to 95% of the height (H1) of the first electrode (111) (radially when the electrode assembly is wound into a jelly roll shape), specifically 1% to 90%, 1% to 85%, 1% to 80%, 1% to 70%, 2% to 60%, or 5% to 50%, but is not limited thereto. The width (W2) of the above groove (113, 114) may be 5% to 100% of the width (W1) of the first electrode (111) (in a direction parallel to the central axis when the electrode assembly is wound into a jelly roll shape), specifically 10% to 100%, 15% to 95%, 20% to 90%, 30% to 90%, 40% to 90%, or 50% to 90%, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 8, the length (L2) of the groove (113, 114) may be 5% to 100% of the length (L1) of the first electrode (111) (circumferential direction when the electrode assembly is wound into a jelly roll shape), specifically 10% to 100%, 15% to 95%, 20% to 90%, 30% to 90%, 40% to 90%, or 50% to 90%, but is not limited thereto.

[0109] The width (W2) and length (L2) of the above grooves (113, 114) may mean the sum of the widths (W2a, W2b, W2c, W2d) of the individual grooves or the sum of the lengths of the individual grooves when multiple grooves are formed as in FIG. 9.

[0110] In one embodiment, the width (W2) of the groove (113, 114) may be smaller than the width (W1) of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112). The y-axis end portions of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may prevent radiation emitted from the radioactive source (120) from being emitted outside the assembly to the upper and / or lower portions of the jellyroll-shaped electrode assembly (10) when the radioactive source (120) is placed in the groove when the groove (113, 114) is not formed.

[0111] FIGS. 8 to 12 describe the first electrode (111) as an example, but the same can be applied to the second electrode (112).

[0112] In an electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application, the radiation source (120) may be positioned along an inner surface facing the energy conversion layer (130) of at least one of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112).

[0113] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a first electrode (111), a radioactive source (120), and an energy conversion layer (130) according to one embodiment.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 21, the radiation source (120) may be located on the inner surface of the first electrode (111) facing the energy conversion layer (130).

[0115] Although not shown in the drawing, the radioactive source (120) may be located on the surface where the second electrode (112) faces the energy conversion layer (130).

[0116] In addition, in an electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application, a radioactive source (120) may be located on the energy conversion layer (130). In this case, forming the radioactive source (120) along the energy conversion layer (130) which includes an N-type semiconductor is advantageous in terms of efficiency because it can increase the interface between the radioactive source (120) and the energy conversion layer (130). However, in another example, the radioactive source (120) may be formed along the energy conversion layer (130) which includes a P-type semiconductor.

[0117] In one aspect of the present application, the surface area of ​​the interface between the radioactive source (120) and the energy conversion layer (130) (e.g., the side of the energy conversion layer (130) comprising an N-type semiconductor) may be increased by any technique that creates irregularities (non-uniformity), which may include any interface profile discussed above with respect to the interface between the first energy conversion layer (131) and the second energy conversion layer (132). For example, one of the irregular shape profiles discussed with respect to FIGS. 20A through 20E may be provided at the interface between the radioactive source (120) and the energy conversion layer (130).

[0118] In an electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application, the method of forming the radioactive source (120) may include, but is not limited to, electroplating (electrolytic plating), electroless plating, or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Among these, an electroplating method may be used, as the process is relatively simple and reaction control is easy, when considering radiation shielding and safety of the operator.

[0119] In one example, a plating solution for the above electroplating can be prepared, and in the case where Ni-63 is used as the radioactive source (120), for example, Ni-63 is prepared by irradiating Ni-62 with neutrons and then chlorinating it. 63 Ni-63 electrolyte can be prepared by generating NiCl2. Alternatively, by first chlorinating Ni-62 62 After preparing NiCl2, irradiate with neutrons 63 NiCl2 may be produced, but this is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0120] In one example, the plating solution may further include additives such as a pH adjuster and a pH stabilizer, and in this case, the plating speed or growth rate is controlled, which has the advantage of making the formation of the radioactive source (120) uniform or easy.

[0121] In one example, when forming the radioactive source (120), as shown in FIG. 23, the energy conversion layer (130) may additionally include a seed layer or a catalyst particle layer (180). The seed layer or the catalyst particle layer (180) is formed in advance to allow the radioactive source (120) to be filled into the energy conversion layer (130), and may be configured to include, for example, a metal such as Ni, Pd, Pt, or Au. At this time, the seed layer or the catalyst particle layer (180) may be formed by deposition or plating, but is not limited thereto.

[0122] In one example, when the radioactive source is formed on the first electrode or the second electrode, or on the energy conversion layer, the concentration (or content) of the radioactive isotope in any region close to the central member may be higher than the concentration (or content) of the radioactive isotope in any region far from the central member. For example, the radioactive isotope concentration (or content) of the radioactive source may be formed to have a gradient in which the concentration (or content) decreases as it moves toward the region farther from the central member. In this case, since the radioactive source is concentrated toward the central member, the radiation shielding effect may be improved after the electrode assembly is wound.

[0123] In one example, as shown in FIG. 24, when the radioactive source (120) is formed on the first electrode (111) or the second electrode (112) or the energy conversion layer (130), if the thickness formed is the same, the area where the radioactive source (120) is formed may decrease as it moves away from the central member (150). In this case, any shape in which the content of the radioactive source (120) decreases as it moves away from the central member (150) can be applied without limitation, and in addition to the shape in which the content of the radioactive source (120) decreases, the aforementioned irregularities may be formed to increase the surface area, and are not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 24.

[0124] In one example, a third electrode (170) may be further located between the energy conversion layer (130) and the radioactive source (120).

[0125] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a first electrode (111), a radioactive source (120), a third electrode (170), and an energy conversion layer (130) according to one embodiment.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 22, a third electrode (170) may be located between the energy conversion layer (130) and the radioactive source (120).

[0127] The above third electrode (170) may be subject to the same provisions as the above-described first electrode (111) and second electrode (112). In this case, if the electrode equipped with the radioactive source (120) is the first electrode (111) and the third electrode (170) is provided between the radioactive source (120) and the energy conversion layer (130), the third electrode (170) may include the same material as the first electrode (111). Alternatively, if the electrode equipped with the radioactive source (120) is the second electrode (112) and the third electrode (170) is provided between the radioactive source (120) and the energy conversion layer (130), the third electrode (170) may include the same material as the second electrode (112).

[0128] However, the third electrode (170) is not necessarily made of the same material as the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112), and may include different materials.

[0129] The third electrode (170) may have a thickness of 90% or less of the first electrode (111) or the second electrode (112). Additionally, the third electrode (170) may be in the form of a very thin film. For example, the thickness of the third electrode (170) may be 1% to 90%, 5% to 80%, 10% to 70%, 15% to 60%, or 20% to 50% of the thickness of the first electrode (111) or the second electrode (112). Since the third electrode (170) is thinner than the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112), radiation emitted from the radioactive source (120) can be efficiently delivered to the energy conversion layer (130).

[0130] When the third electrode (170) is provided between the radioactive source (120) and the energy conversion layer (130), the first electrode (111) or the second electrode (112) and the third electrode (170) are arranged on both sides of the radioactive source (120), and the third electrode (170) can serve as a radiation shield. Furthermore, when the electrode assembly is wound, the shielding function of the third electrode (170) can be further maximized.

[0131] In an electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application, radiation (e.g., alpha rays or beta rays, etc.) generated from the radioactive source (120) may be incident on the energy conversion layer (130) over the widest possible range, which may be advantageous for high output.

[0132] In one example, the energy conversion layer (130) may come into contact with the radioactive source (120) and form an interface. Specifically, it may come into direct contact with the first type semiconductor or the second type semiconductor of the energy conversion layer (130) or form an interface.

[0133] In one example, since the efficiency of the radioisotope cell can be increased when the surface area of ​​the interface where the energy conversion layer (130) including the N-type semiconductor is joined with the radioactive source (120) is increased, it is important to improve the interface characteristics between the radioactive source (120) and the energy conversion layer including the N-type semiconductor.

[0134] In one example, the first electrode (111) may be in contact with at least a portion of the first energy conversion layer (131). In one embodiment, the second electrode (112) may be in contact with at least a portion of the second energy conversion layer (132).

[0135] In the energy conversion layer (130), electron-hole pairs are formed from radiation emitted from a radioactive source (120), and an electric current is generated therefrom to produce electrical energy. At this time, in order to accommodate the electron-hole pairs generated in the energy conversion layer (130), a part of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may be electrically connected by contacting a part of the energy conversion layer (130).

[0136] In one example, the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) may not be in contact with each other. Since a short circuit may occur and cause problems if the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) come into contact with each other, the electrode assembly (10) includes an energy conversion layer (130) between the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112), and the energy conversion layer (130) may serve to physically and / or electrically separate the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) from each other.

[0137] In one example, the energy conversion layer (130) may have an area equal to or larger than that of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112), and when the first electrode (111), the second electrode (112) and the energy conversion layer (130) are stacked, the energy conversion layer (130) may be included in the space between the faces of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) facing each other.

[0138] An electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application may include an insulating layer (160) along an outer surface that does not face the radioactive source (120) of at least one of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112).

[0139] In one example, by including an insulating layer (160) along an outer surface that does not face the radioactive source (120) of at least one of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112), it is possible to prevent electrical problems such as a short circuit from occurring when the first electrode (111) comes into contact with the second electrode (112) when wound into a jelly roll shape.

[0140] At this time, the insulating layer (160) may be included on the side of the first electrode (111), on the side of the second electrode (112), or on all sides of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112). In one example, it may be on the side of the first electrode (111) to prevent the central member (150) and the first electrode (111) from coming into direct contact, but it is not limited thereto.

[0141] In one example, the insulating layer (160) is not particularly limited to any material having electrical insulating properties, but may include one or more selected from the group consisting of, for example, silicate (e.g., TEOS), silicon nitride (SiN, silicon nitride), hafnium oxide, hafnium silicon oxide, hafnium aluminum oxide, lanthanum oxide, lanthanum aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, zirconium silicon oxide, tantalum oxide, titanium oxide, barium strontium titanium oxide, barium titanium oxide, strontium titanium oxide, yttrium oxide, and aluminum oxide.

[0142] In one example, the insulating layer (160) may include a dielectric and may further include a dielectric layer containing the dielectric. The dielectric is not particularly limited as long as it is used in the art. The dielectric layer can optimize the placement of the radioactive source (120) and further improve electrical stability by minimizing the occurrence of leakage current.

[0143] In one example, the dielectric included in the insulating layer (160) may include a low dielectric with a dielectric constant of less than 3.9. Low dielectrics are not specifically limited as long as they are used in the industry, but include Fluorinated TetraEthylOrthoSilicate (FTEOS), Hydrogen SilsesQuioxane (HSQ), Bis-benzoCycloButene (BCB), TetraMethylOrthoSilicate (TMOS), OctaMethylEyCycloTetraSiloxane (OMCTS), HexaMethylDiSiloxane (HMDS), Tris(TriMethylSilyl)Borate (TMSB), DiAcetoxyDitertiaryButoSiloxane (DADBS), Tris(TriMethylSilyl)Posphite (TMSP), PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE), TOSZ (Tonen SilaZene), FSG (Fluoride Silicate Glass), polyimide nanofoams such as polypropylene oxide, CDO (Carbon Doped Silicon Oxide), OSG (Organo Silicate Glass), and SiLK TM It may include one or more materials from the group consisting of Dow Chemical, Amorphous Fluorinated Carbon, silica aerogels, silica xerogels, and mesoporous silica. If the dielectric material placed in the insulating layer (160) includes a low dielectric, it is possible to efficiently transfer radiation generated from, for example, a radioactive source (120) to the energy conversion layer (130) while minimizing the occurrence of leakage current.

[0144] In one example, the dielectric included in the insulating layer (160) may include a high dielectric with a dielectric constant of 3.9 or higher. High dielectrics are not particularly limited as long as they are used in the art, but may include one or more from the group consisting of, for example, boron nitride, hafnium oxide, hafnium silicon oxide, hafnium aluminum oxide, lanthanum oxide, lanthanum aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, zirconium silicon oxide, tantalum oxide, titanium oxide, barium strontium titanium oxide, barium titanium oxide, strontium titanium oxide, yttrium oxide, aluminum oxide, lead scandium tantalum oxide, or lead zinc niobate. If the dielectric material placed in the insulating layer (160) includes a high dielectric material, the radioactive isotope battery can be designed to have a high integration density while minimizing the occurrence of leakage current.

[0145] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly (10) according to another embodiment of the present application. In one example, the electrode assembly (10) is a jelly-roll type electrode assembly wound in one direction around a central member (150) in a stacked state as shown in FIG. 2, comprising a first electrode (111); a second electrode (112); an energy conversion layer (130) provided between the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112); and a radioactive source (120) provided between the second electrode (112) and the energy conversion layer (130), and may include an insulating layer (160) on the outer side of the first electrode (111) that does not face the radioactive source (120).

[0146] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly (10) according to another embodiment of the present application. In one example, the electrode assembly (10) may be a jelly-roll type electrode assembly wound in one direction around a central member (150) in a stacked state comprising: a first electrode (111); a second electrode (112); an energy conversion layer (130) provided between the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112); and a radioactive source (120) provided between at least one of the first electrode (111) and the energy conversion layer (130) and between the second electrode (112) and the energy conversion layer (130). The electrode assembly (10) may include an insulating layer (160) located along an outer surface that does not face the radioactive source (120) of at least one of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the insulating layer (160) may be located along the opposite side of the first electrode (111) containing the radioactive source (120).

[0147] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0148] In one example, the electrode assembly (10) may further include a protective layer (140) located along an outer surface of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) that is not facing the radioactive source (120).

[0149] In one example, the protective layer (140) serves to reflect radiation (e.g., alpha rays or beta rays, etc.) emitted from a radioactive source (120) so that it can be concentrated on the energy conversion layer (130), and is not limited to any material known in the art to reflect radiation. In one example, the protective layer (140) may include a material known to have radiation shielding or reflective capabilities, such as copper, silver, or aluminum metal, or may include a material known to have radiation shielding or reflective capabilities, such as a polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene propylene copolymer, ethylene methacrylate copolymer, or polyethylene terephthalate, but is not limited thereto.

[0150] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0151] In one example, the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) included in the electrode assembly (10) may additionally include a first electrode tab (115) and a second electrode tab (116), respectively, on at least a portion of the opposite side facing the energy conversion layer (130).

[0152] In one example, unlike as shown in FIG. 14, the first electrode tab (115) may be formed at a constant interval along the edge of the first electrode (111). In this case, the edge of the first electrode (111) may refer to one end of the first electrode (111) along the axial direction of the center member (150), and may refer to an edge extending circumferentially around the central axis of the center member (150), which is defined as a spiral shape when the electrode assembly (10) is wound in a jelly roll shape. Similarly, the second electrode tab (116) may be formed at a constant interval along the edge of the second electrode (112). In this case, the edge of the second electrode (112) may refer to the edge of the second electrode at the opposite end of the edge where the first electrode tab (115) is located.

[0153] A plurality of first electrode tabs (115) and a plurality of second electrode tabs (116) may be spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the edges of each first electrode and second electrode. The spacing may be set such that when the electrode assembly is wound to form a jelly roll shape as shown in FIG. 16, the first electrode tabs (115) overlap each other at a circumferential position centered on the central axis, and the second electrode tabs (116) overlap each other at a circumferential position centered on the central axis.

[0154] FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0155] In one example, the electrode assembly (10) includes a first unoccupied portion (161) in which the first electrode (111) is exposed to the outside of the energy conversion layer (130), and the first unoccupied portion (161) includes a plurality of bendable first nodes (117), wherein the plurality of first nodes (117) are formed integrally with the current collector of the first electrode (111) and are arranged circumferentially spaced apart from each other along the axial edge of the first electrode (111). The second electrode (112) includes a second non-recyclable portion (162) exposed to the outside of the energy conversion layer (130) in the opposite axial direction of the first non-recyclable portion (161), and the second non-recyclable portion (162) includes a plurality of bendable second nodes (118), wherein the plurality of second nodes (118) are formed integrally with the current collector of the second electrode (112) and are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction along the axial edge of the second electrode (112).

[0156] In one example, as shown in FIG. 17, the first node (117) and the second node (118) can each be bent toward the central axis of the central member (150) while the electrode assembly (10) is wound.

[0157] Unlike a structure in which a first electrode (111) and a second electrode (112) are each separately provided with an electrode tab, an electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application may have a tapless structure in which a first non-tap portion (161) and a second non-tap portion (162) of the first electrode (111) and the second electrode (112) each include an extended first node portion (117) and a second node portion (118), and are extended along a substantial length in the circumferential direction of the first electrode and the second electrode, and the first node portion (117) and the second node portion (118) each act as a tab, thereby eliminating the need for a separate tab.

[0158] The shape of the first node (117) and the second node (118) (a spaced tab-shaped node or an extended single node) may be a rectangular shape as illustrated, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first node (117) and the second node (118) may have various shapes such as a rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, parallelogram, semicircular, semi-elliptical structure.

[0159] An electrode assembly (10) according to one embodiment of the present application may include a central member (150), and the central member (150) may serve to secure an optimized curvature in a jelly roll structure when winding an insulating layer (160), a first electrode (111), a radioactive source (120), an energy conversion layer (130), and a second electrode (112) included in the electrode assembly (10).

[0160] In one example, the electrode assembly (10) may be a jelly roll type electrode assembly wound in one direction around the central member (150).

[0161] In one example, the central member (150) may include a dielectric, and the dielectric is not particularly limited as long as it is used in the art. When the central member (150) includes a dielectric, the occurrence of leakage current can be minimized, thereby further improving electrical stability.

[0162] In one example, the dielectric included in the central member (150) may include a low dielectric with a dielectric constant of less than 3.9. Low dielectrics are not specifically limited as long as they are used in the industry, but include Fluorinated TetraEthylOrthoSilicate (FTEOS), Hydrogen SilsesQuioxane (HSQ), Bis-benzoCycloButene (BCB), TetraMethylOrthoSilicate (TMOS), OctaMethylEyCycloTetraSiloxane (OMCTS), HexaMethylDiSiloxane (HMDS), Tris(TriMethylSilyl)Borate (TMSB), DiAcetoxyDitertiaryButoSiloxane (DADBS), Tris(TriMethylSilyl)Posphite (TMSP), PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE), TOSZ (Tonen SilaZene), FSG (Fluoride Silicate Glass), polyimide nanofoams such as polypropylene oxide, CDO (Carbon Doped Silicon Oxide), OSG (Organo Silicate Glass), and SiLK TM It may include one or more from the group consisting of Dow Chemical, Amorphous Fluorinated Carbon, silica aerogels, silica xerogels, and mesoporous silica. If the dielectric included in the central member (150) includes a low dielectric, it is possible to efficiently transfer radiation generated from, for example, a radioactive source (120) to the energy conversion layer (130) while minimizing the occurrence of leakage current.

[0163] In one example, the dielectric included in the central member (150) may include a high dielectric with a dielectric constant of 3.9 or higher. High dielectrics are not particularly limited as long as they are used in the art, but may include one or more from the group consisting of, for example, boron nitride, hafnium oxide, hafnium silicon oxide, hafnium aluminum oxide, lanthanum oxide, lanthanum aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, zirconium silicon oxide, tantalum oxide, titanium oxide, barium strontium titanium oxide, barium titanium oxide, strontium titanium oxide, yttrium oxide, aluminum oxide, lead scandium tantalum oxide, or lead zinc niobate. If the dielectric material included in the above central member (150) includes a high dielectric material, the radioactive isotope battery can be designed to have a high integration density while minimizing the generation of leakage current.

[0164] In one example, the aspect ratio of the central member (150) may be 1 to 100. In the case where the central member (150) is cylindrical, the aspect ratio of the central member (150) may mean the ratio of the height to the diameter of the central member (150), which is the value obtained by dividing the height (height along the central vertical axis of the central axis) of the central member (150) by the diameter. In one example, in the case where the central member (150) is an elliptical column or a polygonal column, the aspect ratio of the central member (150) may mean the ratio of the height to the length of the major axis of the elliptical cross-section or the length of the major side of the polygonal cross-section of the central member (150), which is the value obtained by dividing the height of the central member (150) by the length of the major axis or the length of the major side.

[0165] In one example, by adjusting the aspect ratio of the central member (150), the integration density of the radioisotope battery containing the electrode assembly (10) can be increased to improve output or energy density.

[0166] FIGS. 18 and 19 are perspective views illustrating a radioactive isotope cell (100) according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 19 is a drawing showing a partially transparent and partially exposed state for illustrative purposes.

[0167] A radioactive isotope battery (100) according to one embodiment of the present application may include the aforementioned electrode assembly (10); a housing (20) that accommodates the electrode assembly (10); and a cap assembly (30) provided to cover the open upper portion of the housing (20).

[0168] In one example, the housing (20) may be cylindrical, and the electrode assembly (10) may be accommodated within the housing (20). The diameter of the housing (20) may be formed to be at least slightly larger than the diameter of the electrode assembly (10). A separate insulating member and / or shielding member may be further included in the space between the electrode assembly (10) and the housing (20). The insulating member may include one or more materials included in the insulating layer, but is not limited thereto. The shielding member may include one or more materials included in the protective layer, but is not limited thereto.

[0169] In one example, the housing (20) may be a metal or alloy that is conductive and has radiation shielding properties, and may include, for example, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or a metal or alloy thereof including lead, but is not limited thereto.

[0170] In one example, the first electrode tab (115) or the first node (117) may be welded to the lower closure of the housing (20) and electrically connected, or the second electrode tab (116) or the second node (118) may be welded and electrically connected. The welding may utilize a welding method for electrode tabs and / or leads commonly used in secondary batteries, for example, laser welding may be used. The housing (20) may be electrically connected to the first electrode (111) or the second electrode (112) of the electrode assembly (10).

[0171] In one example, the lower closure portion of the housing (20) may additionally include one or more various types of insulating members and / or shielding members that do not interfere with the electrical connection of the first electrode (111) or the second electrode (112).

[0172] In one example, the cap assembly (30) is configured to seal the housing (20) in which the electrode assembly (10) is housed. The cap assembly (30) may be a metal or alloy that is conductive and has radiation shielding properties, just like the housing (20), and the description of the metal or alloy described above may apply equally.

[0173] In one example, the cap assembly (30) may be electrically connected to the first electrode (111) or the second electrode (112) by welding the first electrode tab (115) or the first node (117) or by welding the second electrode tab (116) or the second node (118). In this case, if the cap assembly (30) is electrically connected to the first electrode (111), the housing (20) may be electrically connected to the second electrode (112), and conversely, if the cap assembly (30) is electrically connected to the second electrode (112), the housing (20) may be electrically connected to the first electrode (111).

[0174] The above cap assembly (30) may further include a heat dissipation member or a venting member that releases heat or gas generated within the housing (20).

[0175] A radioisotope battery (100) according to one embodiment of the present application can be applied to electronic products requiring high power by generating high-density energy. Electronic products requiring high power may be, for example, any products that consume power, such as semiconductor memory such as DRAM or NAND FLASH, processors, mobile devices, and computers.

[0176] A radioisotope cell (100) according to one embodiment of the present application may be a cylindrical radioisotope cell, for example, 18650 cell (diameter 18 mm, height 65 mm, form factor ratio 0.277), 21700 cell (diameter 21 mm, height 70 mm, form factor ratio 0.300), 46110 cell (diameter 46 mm, height 110 mm, form factor ratio 0.418), 48750 cell (diameter 48 mm, height 75 mm, form factor ratio 0.640), 48110 cell (diameter 48 mm, height 110 mm, form factor ratio 0.418), 48800 cell (diameter 48 mm, height 80 mm, form factor ratio 0.600), 46800 cell (diameter 46 mm, height 80 It may be, but is not limited to, 46900 cells (diameter 46 mm, height 90 mm, form factor ratio 0.511), 46950 cells (diameter 46 mm, height 95 mm, form factor ratio 0.484), 46100 cells (diameter 46 mm, height 100 mm, form factor ratio 0.460), and 46120 cells (diameter 46 mm, height 120 mm, form factor ratio 0.383). Here, the form factor ratio refers to the value obtained by dividing the diameter of the cylindrical cell by its height.

[0177] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present application may include the radioactive isotope battery (100). The battery pack may further include a battery module including the radioactive isotope battery (100), or may omit the module and include a cell-to-pack (CTP) structure including the radioactive isotope battery (100).

[0178] In one example, the battery pack may include a pack housing and may additionally include a cell frame accommodated in the pack housing. The cell frame may serve to support and accommodate the cylindrical radioisotope batteries (100). The battery pack may further include a top plate on the upper part of the pack housing, and the battery pack may additionally include a heat dissipation member capable of releasing heat generated from the radioisotope batteries (100) to the outside.

[0179] In one example, the battery pack and / or battery module may use the same components, shapes, materials, etc. as those used in conventional secondary batteries, provided that, in order to prevent the external leakage of radiation due to the use of radioactive isotopes, a radiation shielding member may be additionally included.

[0180] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those with average knowledge in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be implemented by deleting some components, and each embodiment may be implemented in combination with one another.

[0181] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0182] 10: Electrode assembly

[0183] 111 : First electrode,

[0184] 112: Second electrode

[0185] 113, 114 : Home

[0186] 115 : First electrode tab,

[0187] 116 : Second electrode tab

[0188] 117 : 1st segment,

[0189] 118: Second segment

[0190] 120: Radioactive source

[0191] 130: Energy conversion layer

[0192] 131: First energy conversion layer

[0193] 132: Second energy conversion layer

[0194] 140 : Protective layer

[0195] 150 : Central member

[0196] 160 : Insulating layer

[0197] 161: First Unclear Section

[0198] 162 : Second Undisclosed Division

[0199] 170 : Third electrode

[0200] 180: Seed layer or catalyst particle layer

[0201] 20 : Housing

[0202] 30: Cap Assembly

Claims

1. First electrode; Second electrode; An energy conversion layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode; and A radioactive source located between at least one of the first electrode and the energy conversion layer and between the second electrode and the energy conversion layer; an electrode assembly formed by winding in one direction around a central axis in a stacked state to form a jelly roll.

2. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly further comprising an insulating layer positioned along an outer surface not facing the radiation source of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above insulating layer includes a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer, and An electrode assembly in which the first insulating layer is located along the outer surface of the first electrode and the second insulating layer is located along the outer surface of the second electrode.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above radioactive source includes a first radioactive source and a second radioactive source, and The first radioactive source is located between the first electrode and the energy conversion layer, and The above second radioactive source is an electrode assembly located between the above second electrode and the energy conversion layer.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned radioactive source is an electrode assembly located along an inner surface facing the energy conversion layer of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

6. In Paragraph 5, An electrode assembly positioned along the inner surface such that the content of the radioactive source decreases as the distance from the central axis increases.

7. In Paragraph 5, An electrode assembly in which at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode has an inner surface that includes at least one groove, and the radioactive source is located in the groove.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above groove includes a plurality of grooves spaced apart from each other, and An electrode assembly having a portion of the inner surface without a groove located between at least two adjacent grooves among the plurality of grooves.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned radioactive source comprises an electrode assembly containing a radioactive isotope that emits alpha particles or beta particles.

10. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly further comprising a third electrode located between the energy conversion layer and the radioactive source.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above energy conversion layer includes a first energy conversion layer and a second energy conversion layer, and The first energy conversion layer comprises a first type semiconductor material adjacent to the first electrode, and The electrode assembly, wherein the second energy conversion layer comprises a second type semiconductor material adjacent to the second electrode.

12. In Paragraph 11, One of the above-mentioned first-type semiconductor material and second-type semiconductor material is a P-type semiconductor, and One of the above-mentioned first-type semiconductor material and second-type semiconductor material is an N-type semiconductor, and An electrode assembly comprising a PN junction layer at the interface between the above-mentioned P-type semiconductor and N-type semiconductor.

13. In Paragraph 11, The first electrode is in contact with at least a portion of the first energy conversion layer, and The second electrode is an electrode assembly in contact with at least a portion of the second energy conversion layer.

14. In Paragraph 11, The above-mentioned radioactive source is an electrode assembly that contacts the first energy conversion layer at an uneven interface.

15. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly wherein the first electrode and the second electrode each additionally include a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab on at least a portion of the outer surface not facing the energy conversion layer.

16. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly further comprising a central member oriented along the above central axis.

17. In Paragraph 1, An electrode assembly further comprising a protective layer positioned along an outer surface not facing the radioactive source of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

18. In Paragraph 1, The above energy conversion layer comprises a seed layer or a catalyst particle layer, forming an electrode assembly.

19. Electrode assembly according to claim 1; A housing for accommodating the above electrode assembly; and A radioisotope cell comprising a cap assembly provided to cover the open upper portion of the housing.

20. A battery pack comprising a radioactive isotope battery according to claim 19.

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