Composite Solid Electrolyte for High-Aspect-Ratio Supercapacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supercapacitors with ultra-thin ionic conductor layers face challenges in high aspect ratio structures due to non-uniform deposition, leading to inhomogeneous composition, thickness, and discontinuities, which result in defects like short circuits and reduced ion mobility, while adding dielectric layers to mitigate these issues reduces capacitance and ion mobility.
Innovation Solution
A composite solid electrolyte comprising a dielectric matrix with an ionic conductor disposed in channels/pores within the matrix, enhancing ion mobility and reducing defects while maintaining high capacitance by increasing the surface area of boundaries for ion conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an ultra-thin layer of solid electrolyte is deposited to increase power density, then power density is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to non-uniform deposition in high aspect ratio structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous dielectric matrix structure where the ionic conductor is deposited within the pores. This porous architecture increases the effective surface area for deposition, allowing uniform coating even in high aspect ratio structures. The pores provide access to all surfaces including those in deep trenches, ensuring consistent thickness and composition throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining a dielectric matrix material with an ionic conductor material deposited within it. This composite approach allows the dielectric to provide structural support and define the pore architecture, while the ionic conductor provides the necessary ion transport pathways. The combination enables both thin overall structure (for high power density) and uniform deposition (by leveraging the pore structure).
2Power
If the ionic conductor layer thickness is reduced to increase power density, then power density is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to defects and discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The porous dielectric matrix provides a scaffold that supports the ionic conductor layer, preventing it from becoming discontinuous even at ultra-thin dimensions. The pores distribute the ionic conductor material uniformly, reducing the formation of defects and ensuring continuous ion transport pathways throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric matrix acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the electrodes and the ionic conductor. It provides mechanical support and defines the architecture within which the ionic conductor operates, ensuring structural integrity and preventing defects while maintaining the necessary ion conduction properties.
3Reliability
If a dielectric layer is added to mitigate deposition defects, then reliability is improved, but capacitance deteriorates due to reduced ion mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric is structured as a porous matrix rather than a dense layer, creating continuous channels for ion transport. This porous architecture allows ions to move freely through the dielectric structure, maintaining high ion mobility and capacitance while the dielectric material itself provides the defect mitigation and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric material is localized to specific regions forming the porous matrix structure, rather than being a continuous dense layer. This allows different regions to have different functions: the dielectric walls provide structural support and defect mitigation, while the pore spaces provide unobstructed ion transport pathways, maintaining high capacitance.
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 solid electrolyte structure efficiently passivates defects, increases ion mobility, and mitigates short circuits, maintaining high capacitance and ion mobility while reducing capacitive losses at high frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an ionic conductor disposed in channels/pores in the dielectric matrix
Implementation Method 2
the electrolyte has adequate electronic isolation properties (i.e., very low electronic conduction)
Data Source
AI summary
A supercapacitor that includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; and a composite solid electrolyte disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The composite solid electrolyte includes a dielectric matrix and an ionic conductor disposed in channels/pores in the dielectric matrix. Methods of fabricating such supercapacitors are also disclosed.