Composite Electrode Layer for Low-Resistance Aqueous Batteries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Nonaqueous electrolyte batteries face challenges in safety due to flammable materials, and aqueous electrolyte batteries struggle with suppressing electrolysis of water and reducing resistance simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An electrode structure with a composite layer containing inorganic particles, divided into regions with specific particle size distributions, functions as a separator to reduce resistance and suppress electrolysis by controlling the movement of Li ions and water molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a nonaqueous electrolyte containing flammable material is used, then battery performance is improved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a composite coating layer as an intermediary between the electrode and electrolyte. This coating layer contains inorganic particles (such as alumina, silica, or titania) dispersed in a polymer matrix, which acts as a mediator to prevent direct contact between the flammable electrolyte and electrode, thereby suppressing harmful reactions while maintaining ionic conductivity for battery operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining organic polymer components with inorganic particles to form a composite coating layer. This composite structure leverages the benefits of both materials: the polymer provides flexibility and ionic conductivity, while the inorganic particles provide thermal stability and flame resistance, thus improving safety without sacrificing battery performance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an aqueous electrolyte is used to improve safety, then flammability is reduced, but electrolysis of water occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the aqueous electrolyte by adding specific additives (such as cyclic carbonate esters or chain carbonate esters) to change the electrolyte composition. These additives form protective films on the electrode surface that suppress water electrolysis reactions, allowing the use of safe aqueous electrolytes without suffering from hydrogen evolution and resistance increase
3Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous electrolyte is used to reduce flammability, then safety is improved, but resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the composition parameters of the aqueous electrolyte by carefully controlling the ratios of water, cyclic carbonate esters, and chain carbonate esters. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient ionic conductivity while maintaining the safety benefits of aqueous electrolytes, preventing excessive resistance increase
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 electrode structure effectively suppresses electrolysis of water and reduces resistance while maintaining battery performance, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the composite layer including a first region and a second region... suppress electrolysis by controlling the movement of Li ions and water molecules
Implementation Method 2
the composite layer including a first region and a second region... reduces resistance while maintaining battery performance... controlling the movement of Li ions
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode structure for a secondary battery includes an electrode and a composite layer. In a cumulative frequency distribution of inorganic particles having average particle size of 3 μm or more with respect to a thickness direction of the composite layer, a first region is set to a range 0 or more and less than 25 and the second region is set to a range 25 or more and 100 or less. The first region is 5% or more and 40% or less of the thickness of the composite layer. Average particle size of inorganic particles satisfy a relationship of R1<R2.