Calcium Liquid Cathode Battery High Porosity Carbon Matrix

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid cathode batteries with lithium anodes are limited to temperatures below 180°C due to lithium's melting point, leading to safety issues and reduced performance at higher temperatures, while calcium-based batteries face clogging and discharge resistance due to calcium chloride deposition.

Innovation Solution

A liquid cathode battery with a calcium anode and a self-supporting carbon matrix composed of entangled carbon fibers with high porosity and low specific surface area, which accommodates calcium chloride and maintains efficient discharge and energy density at elevated temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If lithium anode is used in liquid cathode battery, then high energy density is achieved, but operation is limited to temperatures below 180°C due to lithium melting point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidoperating temperature range

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the anode from lithium to calcium, which has a significantly higher melting point (842°C vs 180°C). This parameter change allows the battery to operate at temperatures above 150°C while maintaining safety, resolving the temperature limitation of lithium-based batteries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If calcium anode is used to overcome lithium melting point limitation, then high temperature operation is enabled, but calcium chloride deposition causes clogging and discharge resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperatureVSAvoiddischarge performance

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous carbon matrix with optimized pore size distribution (0.003-10 μm) and porosity (30-80%) to accommodate calcium chloride deposition products. The porous structure prevents clogging by providing adequate space for reaction products, thereby maintaining discharge performance at high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite carbon matrix structure combining different carbon materials (such as carbon black, graphite, or carbon nanotubes) to create a matrix with optimized electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and porosity. This composite approach ensures both structural integrity and effective accommodation of calcium chloride deposits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If conventional carbon matrix is used in calcium-based battery, then structural support is provided, but calcium chloride deposition blocks pores and increases resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematrix structural supportVSAvoiddischarge resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a porous carbon matrix with controlled porosity (30-80%) and pore size distribution (0.003-10 μm) that provides both structural support and adequate space for calcium chloride deposition. The porous structure prevents pore blockage while maintaining mechanical integrity and electrical conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates different regions within the carbon matrix with varying pore sizes and properties. The matrix has a hierarchical structure with macro-pores for bulk accommodation and micro-pores for surface area, allowing calcium chloride to deposit in specific regions without blocking the entire matrix structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables safe operation and optimal energy density at temperatures above 150°C without voltage drop, overcoming the limitations of lithium and calcium chloride deposition in conventional batteries.

Implementation Method 1

a cathode comprising, as active material, a compound identical to the aforementioned oxidizing solvent and comprising a carbon matrix; characterized in that the carbon matrix is a self-supporting matrix comprising entangled carbon fibers having a porosity of at least 90% and a specific surface area less than or equal to 5 m2/g

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

an electrolyte comprising a sulfur and/or phosphorus oxidizing solvent and at least one salt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon transport: Electrolyte

Implementation Method 3

a negative electrode (or anode) of metallic lithium, where lithium oxidation occurs according to the following reaction: Li → Li+ + e-

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP3327840B1Battery with specific liquid cathode

Publication Date: 2019.10.02 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

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AI summary

The invention relates to a liquid cathode cell comprising: -a calcium anode; -an electrolyte comprising a sulfur and/or phosphorus oxidizing solvent and at least one salt; -a cathode comprising, as active material, a compound identical to the aforementioned oxidizing solvent and comprising a carbon matrix; characterized in that the carbon matrix is a self-supporting matrix comprising entangled carbon fibers having a porosity of at least 92% and a specific surface area of less than 5 m2/g.