Air Battery Cathode Structure Without Binder or External Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air batteries face challenges in handling and disposal due to the use of fluororesin binders and complex structures, where the cathode is arranged outside the battery cell, requiring additional housing and complicating the battery design.
Innovation Solution
An air battery design featuring a cylindrical anode with a co-continuous cathode having a three-dimensional network structure formed by integrated nanostructures, where the cathode is arranged inside the anode via a separator, eliminating the need for external housing and using a naturally degradable anode as the battery housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fluororesin binder is used in the cathode, then the cathode structure is maintained, but the battery becomes difficult to dispose of and handles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fluororesin binder from the cathode structure entirely. The cathode is constructed using only conductive carbon powder and conductive additives, eliminating the problematic binding agent that caused disposal and handling difficulties while maintaining structural integrity through the conductive network itself.
2Productivity
If the cathode is arranged outside the battery cell, then oxygen access is improved, but the battery structure becomes complicated requiring additional housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cathode with the battery cell structure by arranging the cathode inside the cell rather than outside. The cathode is positioned in direct contact with the electrolyte solution within the sealed battery cell, eliminating the need for separate housing structures while maintaining oxygen access through the electrolyte medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cell housing serves multiple functions: it contains the electrolyte solution, supports the cathode structure, and provides the sealed environment necessary for electrochemical reactions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional external housing that would otherwise be required to support an externally arranged cathode.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional cathode structure with binder is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but environmental impact increases due to non-degradable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cathode structure made entirely of conductive carbon materials that are environmentally benign and potentially biodegradable, replacing the conventional fluororesin binder. This approach prioritizes environmental compatibility over long-term durability, aligning with disposable battery applications where environmental impact at end-of-life is a critical concern.
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 simplifies the battery structure, enhances handling and disposal, and increases discharge capacity and voltage while reducing environmental impact by eliminating the need for binders and external housing materials.
Implementation Method 1
a separator that is arranged between the cathode and the anode and absorbs an electrolytic solution
Implementation Method 2
producing the cathode by a step of freezing a sol or gel in which the nanostructure is dispersed
Implementation Method 3
a step of drying the frozen body in a vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an air battery using oxygen in air as a cathode active material, the air battery comprising: a cylindrical anode made of a metal; a cathode constituted by a co-continuous body having a three dimensional network structure formed by an integrated plurality of nanostructures having branches; and a separator that is arranged between the cathode and the anode and absorbs an electrolytic solution, wherein: the cathode is arranged inside the anode via the separator; and the anode has an open hole that reaches the separator and constitutes a housing of the air battery.