Atomic Capacitor Membrane for High Density Ion Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitors and deionization systems have limited capacitance density and inefficiencies in ion management, particularly in electrochemical devices like capacitive deionization, where the separation and reuse of ions are not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
The development of a charge-specific membrane capacitor system utilizing porous anionic and cationic membrane materials saturated with high solubility salts, allowing for high capacitance density and efficient ion management through controlled ion absorption and rejection cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional capacitors and deionization systems are used, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is good, but the capacitance density is limited and ion management efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds atomic-scale capacitor structures within membrane materials, creating a nested configuration where numerous tiny capacitors are contained within the membrane matrix. This nesting approach dramatically increases the effective capacitance density while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, as the complex atomic capacitors are integrated within the membrane rather than requiring separate complex circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous membrane materials that can accommodate and contain the atomic capacitor structures. The porous architecture provides high surface area and volume utilization, allowing dense packing of atomic capacitors while maintaining ion transport pathways. This porous structure enables the system to achieve high capacitance density without compromising the simplicity of the overall device design
2Productivity
If conventional deionization systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but ion separation and reuse efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements charge-specific membrane materials with locally differentiated properties, where different regions of the membrane possess distinct charge characteristics (anionic vs. cationic). This local quality differentiation enables selective ion separation and targeted ion management, significantly improving ion separation efficiency and reuse capability while maintaining a relatively straightforward membrane-based system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs membrane materials with tunable charge density and pore size parameters that can be optimized for specific ion separation applications. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high ion separation and reuse efficiency without requiring complex multi-stage processing systems, as the membrane parameters themselves can be tailored to perform multiple functions
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 system achieves capacitance densities up to 50 times greater than state-of-the-art materials, enabling efficient ion separation and reuse, enhancing the performance of electrochemical devices like capacitive deionization systems.
Implementation Method 1
charge-specific membrane capacitor system utilizing porous anionic and cationic membrane materials saturated with high solubility salts, allowing for high capacitance density and efficient ion management
Implementation Method 2
When each is charged, the oppositely charged ion will leave its respective membrane, leaving behind a charged atomic capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
This invention describes a capacitor that formed by a charge or species specific membrane material filled with aqueous or non-aqueous liquid with soluble salts dissolved and non-dissolved in solution and contained within the membrane material. When charged, the oppositely charged ion will leave the structure, leaving behind a charged atomic capacitor.