Solid Electrolytic Capacitor Mordant Layer for ACC Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solid electrolytic capacitors with polythiophene-based conductive polymers exhibit anomalous charging current (ACC) exceeding theoretical limits, which can disrupt circuit functions during thorough drying, posing reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a mordant layer between the dielectric and conductive polymer layers, composed of a specific mordant compound and crosslinker, to reduce anomalous charging current (ACC) and enhance capacitor reliability in high temperature and humidity conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thorough drying is performed on solid electrolytic capacitors with polythiophene-based conductive polymers, then moisture is removed from the capacitor, but anomalous charging current (ACC) increases beyond theoretical limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor reliabilityVSAvoidanomalous charging current
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A mordant layer is introduced as an intermediary between the dielectric layer and the conductive polymer layer. This mordant layer, comprising chromium(III) oxide and chromium(III) hydroxide, acts as a mediator that prevents direct harmful interactions during drying, thereby reducing anomalous charging current while maintaining capacitor reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor structure employs composite materials by combining the dielectric layer, mordant layer (chromium(III) oxide and chromium(III) hydroxide), and conductive polymer layer. This composite structure leverages the beneficial properties of each material while mitigating their individual drawbacks, particularly the ACC issue during drying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a mordant layer is incorporated between the dielectric and conductive polymer layers, then anomalous charging current is reduced and reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor reliabilityVSAvoidcapacitor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor is segmented into distinct functional layers: a dielectric layer, a mordant layer (comprising chromium(III) oxide and chromium(III) hydroxide), and a conductive polymer layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while managing overall complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mordant layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an adhesion promoter between layers, a barrier to moisture and oxygen, and a stabilizer that reduces anomalous charging current. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 mordant layer significantly reduces ACC, improving capacitor reliability and performance under high temperature and humidity conditions, as demonstrated by reduced ESR and leakage current shifts.

Implementation Method 1

a mordant layer between the dielectric and conductive polymer layer and between adjacent conductive polymer layers wherein the mordant layer comprises a mixture or reactive product of represented by the mordant compound of Formula A and crosslinker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical interaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4293692A1Solid electrolytic capacitor with improved reliability
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 KEMET ELECTRONICS CORP
  • EP4293692A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293692A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293692A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention if related to an improved electrolytic capacitor and a method of making the improved electrolytic capacitor. The electrolytic capacitor comprises an anode comprising a dielectric layer on the anode. A first mordant layer is on the dielectric wherein the first mordant layer comprises a mordant compound of Formula A: wherein: R1 and R2 is independently selected from H; cation, linear alkyl, cyclic alkyl or substituted alkyl of 1 to 10 carbons; R3 is selected from -CR4R5R6 wherein R4 represents a hydrogen, an alkyl of 1-20 carbons or an aryl of 6-20 carbons; R4 and R5 can be taken together to represent a cyclic alkyl or substituted cyclic alkyl or (-CR6OP(O)OR1OR2)n; R5 represents an alkyl of 1-20 carbons or an aryl of 6-20 carbons; R4 and R5 can be taken together to represent a cyclic alkyl or substituted cyclic alkyl or (-CR6OP(O)OR1OR2)n; R6 represents a hydrogen, an alkyl of 1-20 carbons or an aryl of 6-20 carbons; and n is an integer from 1 to 20; and a crosslinker. A primary conductive polymer layer is on the first mordant layer.