Capacitor Electrode Surface Area Enhancement via Sequential Etching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for increasing the surface area of electrodes in capacitors, such as those used in implantable cardioverter defibrillators, often result in weakened electrodes and insufficient capacitance levels.
Innovation Solution
A chemical etch is performed on a sheet of material followed by an electrochemical etch to create channels, enhancing the surface area of the electrodes, which increases capacitance by up to 10-11% and results in stronger electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If current methods are used to form channels in electrodes to increase surface area, then capacitance per unit volume increases, but the electrode strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the etching process parameters - using a two-step sequence of chemical etching followed by electrochemical etching, with specific control of etching time (less than 45 seconds), temperature, and chemical composition. This optimized parameter combination achieves the desired surface area increase while maintaining electrode structural integrity and strength.
2Quantity of substance
If channel formation is performed to increase electrode surface area, then capacitance levels increase, but the electrode becomes weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing chemical etching first to create initial channel structures and surface roughness, then following with electrochemical etching to further develop the channel network. This sequential approach prepares the electrode structure in advance through controlled preliminary modifications, achieving high capacitance while maintaining strength through the staged process.
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 proposed method increases the capacitance of capacitors by up to 10-11% and allows for the fabrication of capacitors with higher energy density while maintaining stronger electrodes, addressing the limitations of existing surface area enhancement techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the chemical etch included at least partially immersing the sheet of material in an etch bath that includes molybdenum
Implementation Method 2
An electrochemical etch is performed on the sheet of material after a chemical etch is performed on the sheet of material
Data Source
AI summary
A chemical etch is performed on a sheet of material. An electrochemical etch is performed on the sheet of material after the chemical etch is performed on the sheet of material. A capacitor is fabricated such that an electrode included in the capacitor includes material from the sheet of material after the electrochemical etch was performed on the sheet of material. In some instances, the chemical etch included at least partially immersing the sheet of material in an etch bath that includes molybdenum. Additionally or alternately, the chemical etch can be performed for a period of time less than 60 s.