Aqueous Secondary Battery with Zinc Ion and Hydrophobic Separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonaqueous lithium secondary batteries face safety concerns due to flammability of organic solvents and high internal resistance, while aqueous solution batteries suffer from electrolysis issues leading to unstable operation and low energy density.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery design incorporating a titanium-containing oxide negative electrode, a hydrophobic separator with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance compound, and controlled zinc ion concentrations in aqueous electrolytes to suppress water decomposition and enhance charge-discharge efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nonaqueous organic solvent electrolyte is used, then oxidation resistance and reduction resistance are improved, but safety deteriorates due to flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by introducing specific additives (cyclic carbonate and chain carbonate in controlled ratios) to the nonaqueous electrolyte, thereby modifying its flammability characteristics while preserving its electrochemical stability and oxidation resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system by combining multiple carbonate solvents (cyclic and chain types) with specific additives, forming a multi-component electrolyte composition that integrates the benefits of high oxidation resistance with improved safety properties
2Power
If a nonaqueous organic solvent electrolyte is used, then electromotive force is improved, but internal resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of electrolyte components, specifically controlling the ratio of cyclic to chain carbonates and the amount of additives, to achieve a balance between maintaining high electromotive force and minimizing internal resistance
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an aqueous solution electrolyte is used, then safety is improved, but electrolysis occurs leading to unstable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the aqueous electrolyte composition by adding specific organic additives and controlling the concentration of salts and water, thereby shifting the electrochemical window to prevent electrolysis while maintaining the inherent safety advantages of aqueous systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces organic additive molecules as intermediaries between the aqueous electrolyte and electrode surfaces, forming protective interface layers that prevent water decomposition while allowing ion transport, thus stabilizing operation
4Object-affected harmful factors
If an aqueous solution electrolyte is used, then safety is improved, but energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte composition parameters by incorporating organic additives and optimizing salt concentrations, thereby expanding the electrochemical stability window of aqueous electrolytes to enable higher voltage operation and improved energy density
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 solution achieves stable charge-discharge performance and high discharge capacity by preventing electrolysis and maintaining zinc ion balance, thereby improving battery safety and energy density.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic separator with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance compound
Implementation Method 2
controlled zinc ion concentrations in aqueous electrolytes to suppress water decomposition
Implementation Method 3
The first aqueous electrolyte held in the negative electrode contains 0.001% by mass to 0.5% by mass of zinc ions
Implementation Method 4
maintaining zinc ion balance, thereby improving battery safety and energy density
Implementation Method 5
a titanium-containing oxide negative electrode
Implementation Method 6
stable charge-discharge performance and high discharge capacity
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, provided is a secondary battery including a negative electrode containing a titanium-containing oxide, a positive electrode, a separator between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, a first aqueous electrolyte, a second aqueous electrolyte, and a third aqueous electrolyte. The first aqueous electrolyte is held in the negative electrode and contains 0.001% by mass to 0.5% by mass of zinc ions. The second aqueous electrolyte is held in the separator and contains 1% by mass to 5% by mass of a first compound that includes a hydrophobic portion and a hydrophilic portion. The third aqueous electrolyte is held in the positive electrode.