Chloride Ion Battery Using Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal chloride/metal secondary batteries face challenges due to large volume changes during phase transitions, which disrupt mass transfer when using mechanically rigid solid electrolytes, and there is a lack of reported batteries based on chloride ion transfer, despite theoretical high energy densities.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery composition featuring a negative electrode with a first metal or alloy capable of reacting with chloride ions, a positive electrode with a chloride of a second metal or intercalation compound, and an electrolyte comprising a binary chloride ionic liquid with imidazolium or quaternary ammonium cations and BF4-, PF6-, or [N(CF3SO2)2- anions, ensuring chloride ionic conductivity and preventing electrode contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanically rigid solid electrolyte is used, then structural stability is improved, but mass transfer is disrupted due to large volume changes during phase transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanically rigid solid electrolytes with ionic liquid electrolytes, which exhibit liquid-like flexibility and adaptability. This allows the electrolyte to accommodate large volume changes during phase transitions of electrode materials (e.g., Co to CoCl2 with 482.3% volume expansion) while maintaining continuous ionic conduction pathways, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and mass transfer reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from solid to liquid, fundamentally altering its mechanical properties. The ionic liquid electrolyte maintains structural stability through its liquid-phase cohesion while simultaneously enabling mass transfer through its flexibility and ability to conform to electrode volume changes during charge-discharge cycles
2Use of energy by moving object
If metal chloride/metal systems are used, then theoretical energy density is improved, but practical implementation is hindered by lack of reported batteries and material availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ionic liquid electrolytes as an intermediary medium that enables practical implementation of metal chloride/metal battery systems. The ionic liquid facilitates chloride ion transfer between electrodes while accommodating the unique requirements of metal chloride materials, including their large volume changes and specific electrochemical windows, thus bridging the gap between theoretical energy density and practical manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite electrode structures combining metal chlorides with conductive materials and uses ionic liquid electrolytes to create a functional composite system. This composite approach addresses material availability and manufacturability issues by integrating multiple components that work synergistically to achieve both high energy density and practical implementation
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 battery achieves safe and efficient rechargeability with enhanced chloride ion transfer, maintaining structural integrity and achieving significant discharge and charge capacities, while being environmentally friendly and abundant in resources.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte, comprising a first binary chloride ionic liquid with a cation of imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, piperidinium, pyridinium, or a quaternary ammonium
Implementation Method 2
batteries based on various metal chloride/metal systems theoretically exhibit a large Gibbs free energy change which should yield a high electro motoric force (EMF) during the phase transition which is effected by a chloride ion transfer
Implementation Method 3
a negative electrode (anode) which comprises a first metal or a first alloy or a host material, which is capable to react with or to intercalate a chloride ion
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The present invention relates to secondary battery which comprises - A negative electrode (anode) having a first metal or a first alloy or a host material capable of reacting with or intercalating a chloride ion as anode material, - A positive electrode (cathode) having a chloride of a second metal or of a second alloy or a chloride intercalation compound as cathode material, - A separator to separate the cathode from the anode, and - An electrolyte which exhibits an chloride ionic conductivity. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a secondary battery. The present invention refers to a safe and energetic rechargeable battery which is based on the transfer of chloride ions. The main advantage of such a battery is attributed to the fact that chloride ions are environmentally friendly and abundant at the same time.