Electrochemical Cell Interlayer With Threshold Voltage for Dendrites

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dendrite formation in electrochemical cells can lead to short circuiting and heat generation, posing safety hazards such as fires and thermal decomposition of cell materials.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electrochemical cell design that includes an interlayer with electroactive material between the anode and cathode, along with a power source to maintain a voltage difference below a threshold, effectively preventing dendrite growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrochemical cell design is used, then cell capacity and energy density are achieved, but dendrite formation occurs leading to short circuits and heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddendrite formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An interlayer comprising electroactive material is introduced between the anode and cathode to act as a mediator. This interlayer detects voltage differences that indicate dendrite formation and provides a controlled pathway for ion transport, preventing direct contact between dendrites and eliminating short circuits while maintaining cell capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The interlayer functions as a feedback mechanism by monitoring the voltage difference between the anode and cathode. When dendrite formation causes abnormal voltage changes, the interlayer responds by providing alternative ion transport pathways and maintaining electrical stability, thereby preventing thermal runaway and safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If thicker separators are used to prevent dendrite penetration, then safety is improved, but cell energy density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The interlayer changes the operational parameters of the cell by introducing electroactive material that can dynamically adjust its properties based on voltage conditions. This allows for thinner physical separators while maintaining safety, as the interlayer provides active protection against dendrite penetration rather than relying solely on passive thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The interlayer uses composite electroactive materials that combine conductive and protective properties. These composite materials provide both electrical functionality and dendrite resistance in a thin layer, eliminating the need for thick inert separators and preserving energy density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If voltage difference threshold control is implemented, then dendrite growth is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedendrite preventionVSAvoidcontrol system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interlayer performs self-service by automatically detecting voltage differences indicative of dendrite formation and responding through its electroactive properties. The system regulates ion transport and maintains safety without requiring external control systems, microprocessors, or additional sensors, thereby preventing dendrite growth while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 design significantly reduces the risk of safety hazards by minimizing dendrite size, thereby preventing short circuits and heat generation, and allows for safe discharge of energy when dendrites are detected.

Implementation Method 1

a power source electrically connected to the proximal end of the cathode and the proximal end of the interlayer, the power source configured to maintain a voltage difference between the cathode and the interlayer below a threshold value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage control: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS12334518B1Systems and methods for minimizing and preventing dendrite formation in electrochemical cells

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 24M TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with dendrite prevention mechanisms. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell can include an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, the cathode having a first thickness at a proximal end of the cathode and a second thickness at a distal end of the cathode, the second thickness greater than the first thickness, a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator, the interlayer including electroactive material and having a proximal end and a distal end, and a power source electrically connected to the proximal end of the cathode and the proximal end of the interlayer, the power source configured to maintain a voltage difference between the cathode and the interlayer below a threshold value.