Composite Electrode Reference Integration for Battery Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery designs incorporating reference electrodes for monitoring electrode potentials suffer from unpredictable performance due to deformation of electrodes, causing uneven distances between electrodes and affecting ion travel, which complicates the identification of failing electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A composite electrode design featuring a working electrode with a reference electrode immobilized on a current collector, where the reference electrode is electrically insulated and positioned such that its top surface is flush with the working electrode's surface, eliminating the need for additional structures between electrodes and maintaining consistent distances, thereby preventing deformation and ensuring uniform performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference electrode is inserted between positive and negative electrodes using a wire or structure, then the potential of different electrodes can be monitored, but the electrodes are deformed causing uneven distances between adjacent electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The reference electrode is merged with the working electrode by immobilizing it on the current collector surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate wire insertions between electrodes, preventing deformation and maintaining uniform electrode distances while still enabling potential monitoring through the integrated reference electrode structure.
2Measurement precision
If a reference electrode is inserted between electrodes, then electrode potential can be determined, but the distance for ions to travel between electrodes becomes uneven causing unpredictable performance
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the reference electrode onto the current collector of the working electrode, the invention eliminates the need for separate reference electrode structures between electrodes. This maintains uniform ion travel paths and consistent electrode distances, ensuring predictable battery performance while enabling accurate potential determination through the integrated reference electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector serves as an intermediary substrate that supports both the working electrode active material and the reference electrode. This intermediary structure allows the reference electrode to be positioned without disrupting the regular electrode stacking and ion transport pathways, maintaining performance predictability.
3Measurement precision
If additional structures are placed between electrodes for reference electrode insertion, then potential monitoring is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference electrode is combined with the working electrode assembly by immobilizing it on the current collector. This merging eliminates the need for separate wire insertions and additional structural components between electrodes, reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability for electrode potential monitoring through the integrated structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The electrochemical device includes a composite electrode. The composite electrode has a working electrode that includes a current collector. A reference electrode is immobilized on the current collector. The reference electrode includes a reference active medium on a reference current collector. The reference current collector is electrically insulated from the current collector. A top surface of the reference electrode is substantially flush with a top surface of the working electrode. The top surface of the reference electrode is a surface of the reference electrode that is substantially parallel to the reference current collector.