3D Battery Separators for High-Density Fast-Ion Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage devices, such as batteries, have limited energy density and require improved architectures to enhance energy retrieval and miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
The development of three-dimensional structures for energy storage devices, featuring alternating sequences of electrodes and counter-electrodes with specific ratios of length to width and height, surrounded by a microporous separator material, to minimize ion and electron transfer distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional two-dimensional battery architecture is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar electrodes to three-dimensional vertically-oriented electrode structures. The electrodes extend vertically from a current collector with active material coating on the lateral surfaces, creating a three-dimensional architecture that increases surface area and energy density while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for portable devices.
2Quantity of substance
If electrode dimensions are increased to improve energy storage, then energy density increases, but ion and electron transfer distances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode structure into multiple vertically-oriented electrode members with active material distributed along their lateral surfaces. This segmentation creates multiple independent ion and electron transfer pathways, reducing the distance for charge transport while maintaining high energy storage capacity through the cumulative surface area of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning to three-dimensional vertically-oriented electrodes, the patent enables ion and electron transfer to occur along the vertical dimension rather than across a large planar distance. This dimensional change reduces the maximum transfer distance while increasing the total active material surface area available for energy storage.
3Productivity
If three-dimensional electrode structures are implemented, then energy density and energy retrieval rates improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements three-dimensional electrode structures by vertically orienting electrodes relative to the current collector, with active material coated on lateral surfaces. This dimensional change enables higher energy density and improved energy retrieval rates through reduced ion and electron transfer distances, while the vertical architecture can be manufactured using modified coating and assembly processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design increases energy density and facilitates higher energy retrieval rates, making it suitable for applications with limited geometric area and higher energy density requirements compared to traditional two-dimensional devices.
Implementation Method 1
The longitudinal axis AE of each member of the population of electrodes is surrounded by an electrically insulating separator layer, and the electrically insulating separator layer comprises a microporous separator material layer
Implementation Method 2
both the positive and negative electrodes comprise materials into which a carrier ion inserts and extracts. As a cell is discharged, carrier ions are extracted from the negative electrode and inserted into the positive electrode
Implementation Method 3
carrier ions, such as lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium ions, move between a positive electrode and a negative electrode through an electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode structure for use in an energy storage device, the electrode structure comprising a population of electrodes, a population of counter-electrodes, and an electrically insulating material.