Aligned Conductive Pathways in Battery Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries face inefficiencies due to the electrode-electrolyte interface limiting charge transport, and existing methods for improving conductivity, such as using carbon and binders, result in increased weight and reduced performance over charge/discharge cycles.
Innovation Solution
Applying an electric field to align conductive particles within a polymer matrix, reducing the amount of conductive particles needed while maintaining high conductivity by forming anisotropic conductive pathways, thereby reducing the weight and enhancing energy density of battery electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbon and binder are added to improve conductivity, then conductivity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the spatial distribution parameter of conductive particles from random to aligned, forming conductive pathways that achieve high conductivity with lower particle concentration. This parameter change allows reducing both carbon and binder content while maintaining conductivity, thereby reducing electrode weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite electrode material consisting of active particles, conductive particles arranged in conductive pathways, and binder. By optimizing the arrangement and concentration of conductive particles within this composite structure, the invention achieves effective conductivity with reduced amounts of conductive additives, lowering overall electrode weight.
2Reliability
If carbon and binder content is increased to maintain conductivity, then conductivity is maintained, but energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the distribution pattern of conductive particles from random to aligned conductive pathways, which increases the efficiency of charge transport. This allows reducing the total amount of conductive particles and binder needed, thereby increasing the proportion of active particles and improving energy density while maintaining conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes excess binder and conductive particles that are not necessary for achieving effective conductivity. By forming efficient conductive pathways with aligned particles, the invention eliminates redundant material, increasing the fraction of active material and thus improving energy density.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrode design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but charge transport efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a preliminary action by forming conductive pathways through aligned conductive particles before the electrode assembly is finalized. This preliminary structuring of conductive particles creates efficient charge transport routes that enhance productivity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial arrangement parameter of conductive particles from random distribution to aligned conductive pathways. This parameter change significantly improves charge transport efficiency by creating direct conductive routes, while the method remains compatible with conventional manufacturing 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
The method achieves improved conductivity with lower amounts of conductive particles, reducing battery weight and maintaining performance over multiple charge/discharge cycles, resulting in higher energy density and extended battery life.
Implementation Method 1
applying an electric field to at least one polymer, conductive particles and at least one solvent whereby said conductive particles become arranged between the electrodes in at least two lines that are oriented in the same direction as the electric field line
Implementation Method 2
stabilizing the least one polymer, conductive particles and at least one solvent by removing at least some of said at least one solvent while maintaining the electric field in step a)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for manufacturing of a battery electrode material comprising the steps of: a) applying an electric field to at least one polymer, conductive particles and at least one solvent whereby said conductive particles become arranged between the electrodes in at least two lines that are oriented in the same direction as the electric field line, and b) stabilizing the at least one polymer, conductive particles and at least one solvent by removing at least some of said at least one solvent while maintaining the electric field in step a) whereby the at least two lines of conductive particles will remain in their position when said electric field is removed. Further, the invention concerns a battery electrode material comprising at least one polymer and conductive particles, wherein said conductive particles form at least two lines that are oriented parallel and/or co-linear to each other.