Copper Manganese Oxide Cathode End-of-Life Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical cells face challenges in accurately determining the end-of-life condition due to variability in voltage discharge curves, leading to inaccurate and unreliable end-of-life indicators, particularly in critical applications where batteries are not readily accessible.
Innovation Solution
The use of a cathode material comprising amorphous or semi-crystalline copper manganese oxide, combined with fluorinated carbon, in a non-aqueous electrochemical cell, which provides a distinct voltage plateau as an end-of-life indicator, enabling accurate detection and transmission of the end-of-life condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cathode materials are used in electrochemical cells, then the cells can provide sufficient current for basic applications, but the end-of-life detection becomes inaccurate and unreliable due to variability in voltage discharge curves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the cathode material by incorporating copper manganese oxide alongside fluorinated carbon. This compositional parameter change produces a distinct voltage plateau at the end of discharge, transforming the voltage discharge curve characteristics to enable reliable end-of-life detection through voltage monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite cathode material consisting of copper manganese oxide and fluorinated carbon. This composite structure combines the high capacity of fluorinated carbon with the distinct electrochemical behavior of copper manganese oxide, creating a material that provides both high energy density and reliable end-of-life voltage indicators.
2Quantity of substance
If fluorinated carbon is used as the cathode material to achieve high specific energy, then the battery capacity increases, but the voltage discharge curve becomes less distinct making end-of-life determination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluorinated carbon (providing high capacity) with copper manganese oxide (providing distinct voltage characteristics). The copper manganese oxide component contributes a recognizable voltage plateau that serves as an end-of-life indicator, while the fluorinated carbon maintains the high capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different regions of the cathode material serve different functions: fluorinated carbon provides the bulk capacity while copper manganese oxide provides the diagnostic voltage signature. This functional differentiation within the cathode enables both high capacity and reliable end-of-life detection.
3Volume of moving object
If the electrochemical cell is designed for high energy density, then the battery size can be reduced, but the variability in voltage discharge curves increases leading to unreliable end-of-life indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The composite cathode material allows the battery to be miniaturized while maintaining reliable end-of-life indicators. The copper manganese oxide component ensures that even in small battery configurations, a distinct voltage plateau appears at end-of-life, providing reliable detection regardless of battery size.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the cathode material composition to include copper manganese oxide, the patent creates a more consistent and distinct voltage discharge profile. This parameter change reduces variability in the voltage curves, making end-of-life detection more reliable in compact, high-energy-density battery designs.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of end-of-life detection, allowing for timely replacement or charging of cells, even in inaccessible locations, and offers improved energy density and capacity compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The cell comprises: (i) an anode; (ii) a cathode comprising a cathode material comprising copper manganese oxide; (iii) a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode; and, (iv) a non-aqueous electrolyte which is in fluid communication with the anode, the cathode and the separator
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to indicating an end of life condition of an electrochemical device, and more particularly to systems and methods for sensing and determining an end of life condition in a cell comprising a high capacity cathode material suitable for use in a non-aqueous electrochemical cell. The high capacity cathode material has an amorphous or semi-crystalline form of copper manganese oxide, and optionally fluorinated carbon. The present disclosure additionally relates to transmitting the determined end of life condition to a user or monitoring device of the cell.