Conductive Polymer Electrodes With Low Kinking for Energy Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved materials and devices that can store and deliver electrical energy on demand, particularly for applications such as batteries and supercapacitors, to address the challenges of energy storage in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, where energy availability is weather-dependent and demand is variable.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrically conductive polymers with reduced kinking factors and capped chain ends, synthesized under controlled conditions, to enhance electron transport and energy density, suitable for use in electrodes of energy storage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional polymers are used in electrodes, then manufacturing is simpler, but energy density and electrical conductivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically optimizing polymerization conditions including monomer ratios (e.g., 1,4-benzoquinone to aniline ratios), temperature ranges (0-100°C), pH levels (2-10), and reaction times (1-24 hours) to achieve polymers with enhanced energy density and electrical conductivity while maintaining manufacturability through controlled synthesis parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer structures by copolymerizing multiple monomers (e.g., 1,4-benzoquinone with aniline, pyrrole, or thiophene) to produce polymers with synergistic properties that simultaneously improve energy density, electrical conductivity, and structural stability, resolving the contradiction between performance enhancement and synthesis complexity
2Reliability
If polymer chains have kinks and uncapped ends, then synthesis is easier, but electron transport and conductivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating chain-end capping agents (such as phenols or carboxylic acids) into the polymerization reaction mixture before polymerization completes, ensuring that chain ends are capped during synthesis rather than requiring post-synthesis treatment, thereby improving conductivity while controlling structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary substances such as acids (HCl, H2SO4) and bases (NaOH, KOH) as mediators during polymerization to control chain growth, reduce kinking, and facilitate chain-end capping, thereby enhancing electrical conductivity without significantly increasing device complexity
3Power
If rapid energy delivery is prioritized, then power output increases, but energy storage capacity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing polymers with tunable structural properties (molecular weight, chain flexibility, cross-linking density) that can dynamically adapt to different operational requirements, enabling the same polymer material to optimize between rapid power delivery and energy storage capacity based on device design parameters
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 polymers provide improved energy density and rapid electrical power delivery by minimizing kinking and incorporating caps to enhance conductivity, thus enhancing the performance of batteries and supercapacitors.
Implementation Method 1
The materials as provided herein improve energy storage in part by improving electron transport through the polymer
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical energy storage needs have increased dramatically in recent years
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are electrically conductive polymer materials that have improved long chain conductivity as well as their use in electrochemical cells and other devices. The electrically conductive polymers may be characterized by a kinking factor of 0.25 or lower representing reduced levels or the absence of contaminants or structures that interrupt conductivity in prior polymer materials. In some aspects, an electrically conductive polymer includes a cap that serves to further promote conductivity of the polymer. Also provided are electrochemical cells that incorporate the electrically conductive polymers as provided herein and methods of manufacturing such polymers.