Copper Alloy Anode Can for Zinc Air Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Zinc air cells experience internal gassing due to dissimilar metals reacting with the electrolyte, leading to component damage and poor performance, necessitating a compatible anode can material that avoids these issues.
Innovation Solution
An anode can made of a copper alloy comprising at least three metals from the group consisting of aluminum, silicon, cobalt, tin, chromium, and zinc, which is compatible with the internal chemistry of the zinc anode and alkaline electrolyte, reducing internal gassing and maintaining strength and corrosion resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a clad tri-metal sheet (copper-nickel-stainless steel) is used for the anode can top, then strength and corrosion resistance are improved, but internal gassing occurs due to dissimilar metals reacting with the electrolyte
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using a single-phase copper alloy material instead of a multi-layer clad structure. The copper alloy contains aluminum, silicon, and other elements in controlled amounts to create a uniform material composition that eliminates dissimilar metal interfaces, thereby preventing internal gassing while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite copper alloy material combining copper with aluminum, silicon, and other elements. This composite approach provides both the strength and corrosion resistance of traditional clad materials while eliminating the harmful reactions between dissimilar metals through controlled alloying
2Reliability
If a clad tri-metal sheet is used for the anode can top, then corrosion resistance is improved, but component damage occurs due to internal gassing
Solution Approach 1:
The homogeneous copper alloy composition eliminates dissimilar metal interfaces that cause galvanic corrosion and internal gassing. The uniform material structure ensures consistent corrosion resistance throughout the anode can top, preventing the component damage that occurs with traditional clad materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameters by controlling the amounts of copper, aluminum, silicon, and other elements. This parameter optimization achieves both corrosion resistance and elimination of internal gassing by creating an alloy that is chemically compatible with the alkaline electrolyte
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a copper alloy with multiple metals is used, then internal gassing is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines specific parameter ranges for alloy composition (copper, aluminum, silicon, and other elements) that balance performance and manufacturability. These controlled parameters ensure internal gassing reduction while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes for copper alloys
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 copper alloy anode can effectively reduces internal gassing, preventing component damage and enhancing cell performance by eliminating reactions between dissimilar metals, thus improving the integrity and longevity of the zinc air cell.
Implementation Method 1
dissimilar metals reacting with the electrolyte, leading to internal gassing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a zinc air cell having an anode can made of a copper alloy. The anode can material reduces internal gassing within the electrochemical cell while being compatible with the internal chemistry of the anode and the alkaline electrolyte of the cell itself.