Aluminum Battery Electrode Oxide Removal Using Ionic Liquid

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Solution Overview

Problem

The oxide layer on aluminum electrode sheets in aluminum batteries hinders the aluminum-dissolving reaction during charging and discharging, leading to reduced battery capacity and performance.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method involving soaking the aluminum electrode sheet in a first ionic liquid in a nitrogen atmosphere to remove the oxide layer, exposing the aluminum metal, which is then used as the negative electrode with the electrolyte, increasing the reaction area and aluminum dissolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the aluminum electrode sheet with oxide layer is used directly, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the battery capacity and performance are reduced due to poor aluminum-dissolving reaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidbattery capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing oxide layer removal treatment on the aluminum electrode sheet before assembling the battery. The aluminum electrode sheet is soaked in an ionic liquid in a nitrogen atmosphere to remove the oxide layer in advance, ensuring the aluminum metal surface is exposed and reactive when the battery operates, thereby improving battery capacity without complicating the overall manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If the oxide layer is removed to increase contact area between aluminum metal and electrolyte, then the battery capacity improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the unique properties of ionic liquids and nitrogen atmosphere to remove the oxide layer. By changing the chemical environment (using ionic liquid instead of traditional acids) and atmospheric conditions (nitrogen atmosphere), the oxide layer is effectively removed through chemical reaction, increasing the contact area between aluminum metal and electrolyte, thereby improving battery capacity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the aluminum electrode sheet is soaked longer in ionic liquid to increase exposed aluminum surface area, then the battery performance improves, but the manufacturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge capacityVSAvoidsoak time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the ionic liquid composition (using specific ratios of aluminum halide and imidazolium chloride) and soaking conditions to achieve effective oxide layer removal in a reasonable time frame. The chemical reactivity of the ionic liquid with the oxide layer is enhanced through parameter optimization, allowing sufficient exposed aluminum surface area to be achieved without excessive soaking time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enhances battery performance by increasing the contact area between the aluminum metal and electrolyte, thereby improving the battery's discharge capacity and overall capability.

Implementation Method 1

The aluminum electrode sheet is soaked in a first ionic liquid in a nitrogen atmosphere to remove the oxide layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The exposed part of aluminum metal is in direct contact with the electrolyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4376111A1Manufacturing method of an aluminium battery
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 APH EPOWER CO LTD
  • EP4376111A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4376111A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4376111A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A manufacturing method of an aluminum battery includes: providing an aluminum electrode sheet (100) having an oxide layer (110); soaking the aluminum electrode sheet (100) in a first ionic liquid in a nitrogen atmosphere to remove the oxide layer (110), such that the aluminum electrode sheet (100) has an exposed part of aluminum metal (120); removing the aluminum electrode sheet (100) from the first ionic liquid and used as a negative electrode of the aluminum battery; and providing electrolyte. The exposed part of aluminum metal (120) is in direct contact with the electrolyte.