Coated Paper Electrodes for Scalable Energy Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing paper-based batteries and supercapacitors face challenges in achieving large-scale production with sufficient energy density at a cost appropriate for mass production, primarily due to issues with zinc anode degradation and manganese dioxide cathode reactions leading to capacity fade and dendrite formation.

Innovation Solution

A coated paper is developed with a composition comprising at least 5 wt. % carbon material, 5 wt. % open-framework material, and 1 wt. % binder, which can be easily produced on industrial machines, enabling biodegradable batteries or supercapacitors with improved energy storage capabilities and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional zinc anode and manganese dioxide cathode are used in paper-based batteries, then the energy density can be improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to dendrite formation, capacity fade, and electrode degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidelectrode stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the electrode materials by using zinc carbonate instead of traditional zinc and modified manganese dioxide compositions. This parameter change in material composition eliminates dendrite formation while maintaining high energy density, resolving the contradiction between energy storage capacity and electrode stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures where zinc carbonate is combined with specific binders and conductive additives to create a stable cathode material. This composite approach maintains high energy density while preventing capacity fade and electrode degradation, thus improving reliability without sacrificing energy storage performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If complex battery materials and structures are used to achieve sufficient energy density, then the energy storage capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in large-scale production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capabilityVSAvoidlarge-scale production feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies manufacturing by changing the material parameter to zinc carbonate, which can be produced through straightforward precipitation reactions using readily available chemicals. This allows energy-dense paper-based batteries to be manufactured at scale using simple, cost-effective processes rather than complex material synthesis procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adopts disposable paper-based battery designs where the paper substrate and electrode materials are inexpensive and can be easily replaced. This approach prioritizes ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness over long-term durability, enabling large-scale production of energy storage devices for applications where replacement is more economical than repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional battery production methods are used, then the manufacturing process can be established, but the cost effectiveness deteriorates due to unsuitability for mass production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process establishmentVSAvoidcost effectiveness for mass production
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material composition parameters to use abundant, low-cost materials like zinc carbonate, modified manganese dioxide, and common binders. These material parameter changes enable cost-effective mass production while maintaining established manufacturing processes, making paper-based batteries economically viable for large-scale deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If flexible and adaptable paper-based energy storage devices are created, then the adaptability is improved, but the energy density may deteriorate due to structural constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform factor adaptabilityVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible paper substrates as the base for energy storage devices, enabling various form factors and adaptable designs. The paper-based structure maintains sufficient energy density by optimizing the thickness and composition of active materials deposited on the flexible substrate, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and energy storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 coated paper allows for high energy density, reduced weight, and cost-effective production of paper-based energy storage devices, offering ease of manufacture, flexibility, and environmental friendliness, suitable for various applications including dynamic labeling and automotive integration.

Implementation Method 1

the coated paper allows for high energy density, reduced weight, and cost-effective production of paper-based energy storage devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions:

Implementation Method 2

the coating comprises at least 5 wt. % carbon material and at least 5 wt. % of an open-framework material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20240006593A1Paper based materials for the storage of electrical energy
Publication Date: 2024.01.04 KABEL PREMIUM PULP & PAPER GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to coated paper where a base paper is coated at least on one side and where the coating comprises at least 5 wt. % carbon material and at least 5 wt. % of an open-framework material and at least 1 wt. % binder, a process for the manufacture of the means, a composition for coating paper, coated paper, a process for the manufacture of the coated paper, a means for storing electricity, use of the coated paper as well as a method for storing electricity.