Copper-Mediated Over-Discharge Protection in Nonaqueous Electrolyte Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonaqueous electrolyte batteries using titanium oxide as a negative electrode face issues with temperature elevation due to oxidative and reductive decomposition during over-discharge, leading to heat generation and safety concerns, even without an over-discharge prevention circuit.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a copper-containing member electrically connected to the negative electrode current collector, which oxidatively dissolves into Cu2+ ions and is reduced at the positive electrode, preventing internal short-circuits and suppressing decomposition reactions, thus controlling heat generation and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If titanium oxide is used as negative electrode active material, then weight is reduced and cost is lowered, but temperature elevation occurs during over-discharge
Solution Approach 1:
A copper-containing member is introduced as an intermediary substance between the negative electrode current collector and the electrolytic solution. This copper-containing member acts as a mediator that undergoes preferential oxidative decomposition instead of the electrolytic solution, thereby preventing direct harmful reactions and controlling temperature elevation during over-discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful over-discharge condition into a beneficial protective mechanism. During over-discharge, the copper-containing member intentionally undergoes oxidative decomposition, generating a protective layer that prevents further harmful reactions and actually protects the battery from severe damage, turning the harmful over-discharge state into a self-protecting state.
2Reliability
If over-discharge prevention circuit is added, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The copper-containing member provides self-service protection during over-discharge conditions. It automatically undergoes oxidative decomposition when over-discharge occurs, creating a protective effect without requiring any external control systems, sensors, or circuits. The battery essentially protects itself through the chemical properties of the copper-containing member.
Solution Approach 2:
The copper-containing member acts as a sacrificial, disposable component that is intentionally designed to undergo decomposition during over-discharge. This inexpensive component absorbs the harmful effects of over-discharge, protecting the more valuable battery components. The copper-containing member is consumed in the process, but this is acceptable as it provides critical safety protection.
3Reliability
If copper-containing member is added to prevent over-discharge, then safety is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The copper-containing member is merged with the negative electrode current collector to form an integrated assembly. This combination simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the number of separate components that need to be handled and assembled. The copper-containing member and current collector work together as a unified structure, making the overall battery assembly process more straightforward.
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 solution effectively suppresses temperature increases and ensures high safety during over-discharge by regulating the battery voltage and reducing gas and heat generation, even without a dedicated over-discharge prevention circuit, while also improving input/output performance and cycle stability.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a copper-containing member electrically connected to the negative electrode current collector, which oxidatively dissolves into Cu2+ ions and is reduced at the positive electrode
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating a copper-containing member electrically connected to the negative electrode current collector, which oxidatively dissolves into Cu2+ ions and is reduced at the positive electrode
Implementation Method 3
a separator, and a copper-containing member... The separator is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a nonaqueous electrolyte battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, a copper-containing member, and a nonaqueous electrolyte is provided. The negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material-containing layer. The negative electrode current collector includes aluminum or aluminum alloy. The negative electrode active material-containing layer is formed on the negative electrode current collector. The copper-containing member includes copper or copper alloy. The copper-containing member is electrically connected to the negative electrode current collector to prevent from over-discharge.