Air Electrode Using Carbon Nanotubes and Layered Double Hydroxide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current air electrodes for metal-air batteries lack enhanced hydroxide ion conductivity, electron conductivity, and catalyst reactivity, necessitating improved characteristics for better performance.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNT) as both a binder and catalyst, along with layered double hydroxide particles, to create an air electrode that eliminates the need for organic binders, thereby enhancing electron conductivity and catalytic reactivity while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional organic binders are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the hydroxide ion conductivity and catalyst reactivity are enhanced insufficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcatalyst reactivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The layered double hydroxide particles serve as catalysts within the carbon nanotube binder matrix, creating a composite that provides both ease of manufacture through conventional processing methods and enhanced catalytic reactivity for the oxygen evolution reaction. The composite structure allows simple manufacturing while achieving superior catalyst performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 air electrode exhibits improved hydroxide ion conductivity, electron conductivity, and catalytic reactivity, reducing over-voltage during charging and enhancing overall battery performance.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of layered double hydroxide particles are supported on the plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNT)... enhanced electron conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

enhanced characteristics (hydroxide ion conductivity, electron conductivity and catalyst reactivity)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

enhanced characteristics (hydroxide ion conductivity, electron conductivity and catalyst reactivity)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS10790560B2Air electrode, metal-air battery and air electrode material

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 NGK INSULATORS LTD

AI summary

An air electrode has a plurality of carbon nanotubes and a plurality of layered double hydroxide particles. The plurality of layered double hydroxide particles is supported on the plurality of carbon nanotubes.