3D Electrode Architecture for High-Density Miniature Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage devices, such as batteries, have limitations in energy density and efficiency due to their two-dimensional laminar architectures, which restrict the amount of energy that can be stored in a small geometric area.
Innovation Solution
The development of three-dimensional electrode structures for energy storage devices, where electrodes and counter-electrodes are arranged in an alternating sequence with a microporous separator material, increasing the surface area and reducing transfer distances for ions and electrons, thereby enhancing energy density and retrieval rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-dimensional laminar architecture is used in energy storage devices, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the energy density is limited and the amount of energy that can be stored in a small geometric area is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional laminar architecture to a three-dimensional architecture where electrodes are arranged in alternating sequences with separators, creating a stacked configuration. This dimensional change increases the surface area available for electrochemical reactions within the same geometric footprint, thereby increasing energy density without significantly complicating the manufacturing process
2Device complexity
If a two-dimensional laminar architecture is used in energy storage devices, then the device structure is simple, but the transfer distance for ions and electrons is longer, reducing energy retrieval rate
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking electrodes and separators in alternating three-dimensional sequences, the patent reduces the distance ions and electrons must travel between electrodes. This vertical stacking creates shorter transport pathways compared to extended two-dimensional layers, thereby increasing energy retrieval rate while maintaining relatively simple device structure
3Quantity of substance
If the surface area of electrodes is increased to enhance energy density, then more energy can be stored, but the geometric area occupied increases, limiting miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by stacking multiple electrode-separator units vertically. This allows the surface area of electrodes to be increased through multiple layers while maintaining a compact geometric footprint, enabling high energy density without proportionally increasing the device's planar area and thus facilitating miniaturization
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 approach leads to increased energy density and faster energy retrieval in energy storage devices, making them more suitable for miniaturization and applications with high energy demands.
Implementation Method 1
carrier ions, such as lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium ions, move between a positive electrode and a negative electrode through an electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
microporous separator material disposed in regions between opposing lateral surfaces of adjacent members of the electrode and counter-electrode populations
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrode structure (20) for use in an energy storage device, the electrode structure comprising a population of electrodes (21), a population of counter-electrodes (22) and an electrically insulating material layer separating members (21) of the electrode population from members (22) of the counter-electrode population, each member of the electrode population having a longitudinal axis AE that is surrounded by the electrically insulating separator layer.