Composite Electrode for High Energy Battery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Metal fluoride active materials in batteries face challenges such as poor rate performance, significant hysteresis, and limited cycle life due to low electronic conductivity and mechanical stress, which restrict their widespread use and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A composite electrode is formed using a copper fluoride compound and a conductive matrix material that is electrochemically active and stable within a voltage range overlapping with the copper fluoride compound, enhancing conductivity and capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If metal fluoride active materials are used in batteries, then theoretical energy density is improved (greater than 1600 Wh/kg), but electronic conductivity deteriorates (intrinsically low conductivity due to wide bandgap)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheoretical energy densityVSAvoidelectronic conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining metal fluoride particles with conductive carbon materials (such as acetylene black, carbon nanotubes, or graphene) to create a composite electrode structure. The carbon material provides the necessary electronic conductivity while the metal fluoride maintains the high energy density, resolving the contradiction between energy density and conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If metal fluoride active materials are used in batteries, then theoretical energy density is improved (greater than 1600 Wh/kg), but rate performance deteriorates (discharge rates less than 0.1 C required)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheoretical energy densityVSAvoidrate performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs porous structures by coating metal fluoride particles with conductive carbon materials that create porous networks. This porous structure increases the surface area and provides multiple pathways for ion and electron transport, enabling faster discharge rates while maintaining high energy density through the metal fluoride core.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Quantity of substance

If metal fluoride active materials are used in batteries, then energy storage capacity is improved, but cycle life deteriorates (limited to tens of cycles with rapid capacity fade)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidcycle life

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-coating metal fluoride particles with a conformal layer of conductive carbon material before electrode assembly. This protective carbon layer prevents particle aggregation and mechanical stress during cycling, cushioning the structure against degradation and extending cycle life while preserving the high energy storage capacity of the metal fluoride.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Quantity of substance

If metal fluoride active materials are used in batteries, then energy storage capacity is improved, but hysteresis increases (1.0V to 1.5V between charge and discharge voltages)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidhysteresis

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary conductive carbon material that mediates between the metal fluoride particles and the electrolyte. This carbon intermediary provides stable electron transport pathways and facilitates more reversible electrochemical reactions, reducing the hysteresis between charge and discharge voltages while maintaining the high energy storage capacity of the metal fluoride.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 composite electrode exhibits improved rate performance, energy efficiency, and extended cycle life, allowing for higher discharge rates and increased energy storage capacity compared to traditional metal fluoride batteries.

Implementation Method 1

a copper fluoride compound characterized by a first voltage range in which the copper fluoride compound is electrochemically active

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS9985280B2High energy materials for a battery and methods for making and use

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 WILDCAT DISCOVERY TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A composition for forming an electrode. The composition includes a metal fluoride, such as copper fluoride, and a matrix material. The matrix material adds capacity to the electrode. The copper fluoride compound is characterized by a first voltage range in which the copper fluoride compound is electrochemically active and the matrix material characterized by a second voltage range in which the matrix material is electrochemically active and substantially stable. A method for forming the composition is included.