Anode Pre-Doping Gradient for Lower-Cost Energy Storage Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pre-doping metal ions in energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion capacitors, are inefficient, costly, unsafe, and have significant side effects, failing to meet the requirements of being efficient, low-cost, and safe to handle simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method involving anode portions with varying degrees of metal-ion pre-doping, where a first anode portion is pre-doped to a higher degree and a second anode portion is pre-doped to a lower or zero degree, allowing metal ions to diffuse from the first to the second portion through a shared current collector, thereby reducing the need for extensive pre-doping and utilizing standard manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If extensive pre-doping of metal ions is performed in the anode, then the energy density of the energy storage device is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is divided into multiple portions with different pre-doping degrees. The first anode portion is pre-doped to a first degree, the second anode portion to a second degree, and the third anode portion to a third degree, creating a gradient structure that optimizes both energy density and manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the anode are assigned different pre-doping degrees according to their specific functional requirements. The first portion receives higher pre-doping for regions needing more metal ions, while other portions receive lower pre-doping, creating localized optimization without requiring extensive pre-doping of the entire anode
2Quantity of substance
If extensive pre-doping of metal ions is performed in the anode, then the energy density is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is segmented into portions with different pre-doping degrees, allowing selective pre-doping only where necessary. This reduces the total amount of metal ions required and simplifies the pre-doping process compared to uniformly doping the entire anode
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pre-doping the entire anode to maximum capacity, only specific portions are pre-doped to the extent needed for optimal performance. This partial action approach achieves sufficient energy density while significantly reducing manufacturing cost and complexity
3Quantity of substance
If pure metal is used for pre-doping, then the metal ion supply is sufficient, but safety hazards increase due to reactivity
Solution Approach 1:
A coating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the pure metal pre-doping source and the environment. This coating controls the release of metal ions while protecting against uncontrolled reactions, maintaining sufficient metal ion supply while reducing safety hazards associated with handling pure reactive metals
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 approach simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, ensures safe handling, and avoids over-doping, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the energy storage device by optimizing the pre-doping process without using pure metal.
Implementation Method 1
After filling electrolyte into the device, metal ions will diffuse from the first anode portion with a higher first metal-ion pre-doping degree through the electrolyte to the second anode portion with a lower second metal-ion pre-doping degree
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for manufacturing an energy storage device. The method includes the steps of: providing a first anode portion with a first metal-ion pre-doping degree, providing a second anode portion with a second metal-ion pre-doping degree which is lower than the first metal-ion pre-doping degree, and producing an electrode assembly by combining the first and second anode portions with a cathode and a separator for preventing electrical contact between the anode portions and the cathode. An electrode assembly and an energy storage device are provided having a container including the electrode assembly.