Acid Scavenger Electrolyte for Supercapacitor Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) using nonaqueous electrolytes face pressure buildup issues due to acid catalyzed reactions, leading to reduced operational voltage and lifespan, with existing solutions providing limited information on mechanisms and mitigation methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating acid scavengers into the anhydrous nonaqueous electrolyte solution, either during production or within the EDLC, to neutralize or remove free acids, thereby reducing gas generation and maintaining lower internal pressure, allowing for higher voltage operation and extended lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If nonaqueous electrolytes are used to enable high voltage operation, then energy density is improved, but internal pressure buildup occurs due to acid catalyzed reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acid scavengers as intermediary substances that mediate between the harmful free acids and the electrolyte system. These acid scavengers selectively bind to and neutralize free acids, preventing them from catalyzing decomposition reactions that generate gas and pressure, while not interfering with the normal electrochemical function of the electrolyte
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful component (free acids) from the electrolyte system by adding acid scavengers that selectively bind to and sequester these acidic impurities, thereby eliminating the source of pressure buildup while preserving the beneficial high-voltage operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If operational voltage is reduced to mitigate pressure buildup, then internal pressure is reduced, but energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the electrolyte by introducing acid scavengers, which fundamentally alters the pressure generation mechanism. This allows the system to maintain high operational voltage and energy density while preventing pressure buildup through chemical neutralization rather than voltage reduction
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
The use of acid scavengers effectively reduces pressure buildup, enabling EDLCs to operate at higher voltages and maintain stability over time, as demonstrated by reduced pressure increase rates and leakage currents in testing.
Implementation Method 1
contacting said electrolyte solution with at least one acid scavenger
Implementation Method 2
anhydrous nonaqueous electrolyte solution comprising at least one quaternary ammonium salt and at least one anhydrous nonaqueous solvent
Implementation Method 3
any water impurities initially present in the cell, particularly water contained in the electrolyte, will quickly undergo electrolysis resulting in gas formation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing pressure build-up in an electrochemical cell is provided comprising: providing an anhydrous nonaqueous electrolyte solution comprising at least one quaternary ammonium salt and at least one anhydrous nonaqueous solvent; contacting the electrolyte solution with at least one acid scavenger; and loading the nonaqueous electrolyte solution into the electrochemical cell. Also, provided is an electric double-layer capacitor (supercapacitor) comprising a free acid scavenger.