Electrolyte Density Ratio for Metal-Air Battery Solid Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal-air batteries face challenges in efficiently separating reacted and non-reacted solids during charging, affecting battery performance and charging/discharging efficiency due to the lack of a suitable electrolyte composition that allows for controlled density ratios between the solid and solution components.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte composition is developed comprising a solid with a core-shell structure and a solution, where the solid includes a substrate coated with a metal layer (Zn, Al, Mg, Li, or their oxides) and a conductive or non-conductive material, with a density ratio between 0.97 and 1.03, enabling the solid to be suspended and facilitating separation, thus enhancing battery performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the density ratio between solid and solution is not controlled, then the solid cannot be effectively suspended in the electrolyte, but controlling the density ratio within 0.97-1.03 requires precise composition adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely adjusting the density ratio between solid and solution within the range of 0.97-1.03. This is achieved by modifying the composition parameters of the electrolyte solution (including water, alcohol, and specific additives) and the solid particles (metal oxides, organic compounds) to achieve optimal suspension stability without requiring complex additional components.
2Productivity
If conventional electrolytes are used in metal-air batteries, then the basic battery function is maintained, but the charge/discharge voltage efficiency and separation of reacted solids are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by formulating an electrolyte composition that combines multiple components (water, alcohol, specific additives) with carefully controlled physical and chemical properties. This composite electrolyte system provides both the necessary ionic conductivity for battery operation and the specific density characteristics needed for effective solid particle suspension and separation, thereby improving charge/discharge efficiency and performance consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters of the electrolyte including density, viscosity, and chemical composition to optimize battery performance. By adjusting these parameters within specific ranges, the electrolyte achieves improved charge/discharge voltage efficiency while maintaining reliable battery operation and enabling effective separation of reacted solids.
3Ease of operation
If the solid density is not matched with solution density, then separation of reacted and non-reacted solids becomes difficult, but achieving precise density matching requires careful formulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the density parameter of the electrolyte solution to match the solid particles within a narrow range (0.97-1.03 ratio). This is achieved by adjusting the electrolyte composition (water-alcohol mixture with specific additives) to achieve the target density, enabling easy separation of reacted and non-reacted solids through simple decantation or filtration without requiring complex separation equipment.
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 electrolyte composition allows for high fluidity and practicality, enabling effective charging and discharging cycles with improved charge/discharge voltage efficiency and ease of determining battery charge status by observing the solid's condition.
Implementation Method 1
The solid has a first density, and the solution has a second density, wherein the ratio between the first density and the second density is from about 0.97 to 1.03
Implementation Method 2
the solid can be suspended within the solution, and be mobile in the electrolyte composition. Furthermore, the reacted solid would float at the top level of the electrolyte and separate from the non-reacted solid
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolyte composition and an energy storage device employing the same are provided. The electrolyte composition includes a solid and a solution. The solid includes a core and a metal layer encapsulating the core, where the metal layer is selected from a group consisting of Zn, Al, Mg, Li, Na and the metal oxides thereof. In particular, the solid has a first density and the solution has a second density, and the ratio between the first density and the second density is from about 0.97 to 1.03.