Aluminum Battery Electrode Channel Layer for Faster Ion Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aluminum batteries face challenges in improving charge and discharge efficiency due to limitations in the design of their positive and negative electrodes, separators, and electrolytes.

Innovation Solution

The aluminum battery design incorporates a channel layer made of aluminum chloride, optionally with an intermediate layer, which is formed through a chlorination process, enhancing ion channel structures and electrolyte interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional electrode design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but charge and discharge efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge and discharge efficiencyVSAvoidelectrode structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: substrate layer, intermediate layer, and channel layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions - the substrate provides structural support, the intermediate layer facilitates ion transport, and the channel layer enhances electrolyte interaction - thereby improving charge and discharge efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through functional specialization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the electrode structure are assigned different material compositions and properties. The channel layer contains aluminum chloride with specific crystal structures (NaCl-type or FeCl2-type) that create localized ion channels, while the intermediate layer has different compositional characteristics. This local quality differentiation optimizes ion transport pathways and electrolyte interaction at specific locations, enhancing overall battery efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If channel layer with aluminum chloride is introduced, then ion channel structure is enhanced, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion channel structureVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel layer is pre-formed on the substrate before final electrode assembly. The aluminum chloride is deposited and allowed to form the desired crystal structure (NaCl-type or FeCl2-type) in advance, creating ready-made ion channels. This preliminary action ensures reliable ion channel structure is established before the electrode is integrated into the battery, improving reliability while allowing standardized manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode structure uses composite material composition with the channel layer containing aluminum chloride combined with other materials in the intermediate and substrate layers. This composite structure provides both the structural integrity needed for manufacturing and the specific ion channel properties required for reliable ion transport, balancing manufacturing feasibility with structural reliability

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

This design improves the electrical performance of aluminum batteries by allowing smoother ion entry and reaction, resulting in higher electric capacity and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the electrode structure of the aluminum battery of the disclosure introduces the channel layer including the aluminum chloride as an ion channel structure, so that other ions may smoothly enter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon channel transport:

Implementation Method 2

A chlorination process is performed to form a channel layer on the substrate. A material of the channel layer includes an aluminum chloride

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChlorination:

Implementation Method 3

the step of performing the chlorination process includes a step of performing a soaking procedure, and the soaking procedure includes a step of soaking the substrate in a salt water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSoaking in salt water:

Data Source

PatentEP4704175A1Aluminum battery and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 APH EPOWER CO LTD
  • EP4704175A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4704175A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4704175A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

An aluminum battery including an electrode structure (100) is provided. The electrode structure (100) includes a substrate (110, 210, 310) and a channel layer (120, 220, 320) located on the substrate (110, 210, 310). A material of the channel layer (120, 220, 320) includes an aluminum chloride. A manufacturing method of an aluminum battery is also provided.