Electrode Layer Shear Stress Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Electrochemical cells face the risk of cracks in the first electrode layer due to shear stress caused by thermal expansion differences between the metal substrate and the cell body, particularly when a gas diffusion layer is interposed between them.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating fine particles within the neighboring pores of the first electrode layer, which are independently present and can absorb shear stress, preventing excessive deformation and crack formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gas diffusion layer is interposed between the cell body and metal substrate, then electrical conductivity and gas permeability are improved, but shear stress causes cracks in the first electrode layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidcrack resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The first electrode layer incorporates pores filled with fine particles, creating a porous structure that can absorb shear stress through deformation. This porous design allows the electrode layer to maintain electrical conductivity while accommodating thermal expansion differences without cracking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The first electrode layer is designed as a composite structure combining porous material with fine particles (metal or ceramic). This composite configuration provides both electrical conductivity through the conductive matrix and crack resistance through the stress-absorbing porous structure filled with fine particles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the first electrode layer is made dense to improve strength, then crack resistance increases, but gas diffusion and electrical conductivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrack resistanceVSAvoidelectrical conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the electrode layer dense, the invention utilizes a porous structure where pores are filled with fine particles. This maintains gas diffusion pathways and electrical conductivity while the porous structure itself absorbs shear stress, preventing cracks without requiring high density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 presence of fine particles within the pores of the first electrode layer effectively absorbs shear stress, preventing cracks and ensuring the structural integrity of the electrochemical cell.

Implementation Method 1

a fine particle independently present within the neighboring pore... the fine particles effectively absorbs shear stress, preventing cracks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress absorption: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS20240328006A1Electrochemical cell

Publication Date: 2024.10.03 NGK INSULATORS LTD

AI summary

An electrochemical cell includes: a metal substrate having a principal surface and a plurality of connecting holes formed in the principal surface; and a cell body disposed on the principal surface. The cell body has: a gas diffusion layer disposed on the principal surface, the gas diffusion layer being electrically conductive; a first electrode layer disposed on the gas diffusion layer; a second electrode layer; and an electrolyte layer disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The first electrode layer has: a neighboring pore located near the gas diffusion layer; and a fine particle independently present within the neighboring pore.