Emulsion, emulsion gel electrolyte, aerogel, as well as preparation method and use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gel polymer electrolytes suffer from low ionic conductivity and poor diffusion ability, leading to low specific capacity and energy density in capacitors, while conventional electrode materials have high resistance, limiting the performance of supercapacitors.
Innovation Solution
The development of an emulsion gel electrolyte and aerogel electrode materials based on an oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by upconversion nanomaterials and ionic liquids, which are polymerized and cross-linked with a photoinitiator, followed by freeze-drying to create a three-dimensional porous structure for enhanced electron transport and ion immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional gel polymer electrolytes are used, then the supercapacitor structure is simplified, but the ionic conductivity and diffusion ability are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining gel polymer electrolyte with ionic liquid and upconversion nanomaterials to create an emulsion gel electrolyte system. This composite approach maintains the simplified structure benefit while significantly improving ionic conductivity and diffusion ability through the synergistic effects of the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte by introducing ionic liquid with specific concentration ranges (0.36-3.3 mol/L) and optimizing homogenization time (3-5 min). These parameter changes transform the conventional gel polymer electrolyte into an emulsion gel electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity and diffusion properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrode materials are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the resistance is high and energy output is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces porous aerogel electrode materials that provide large specific surface area for electrochemical reactions. The porous structure facilitates electrolyte penetration and increases active sites, thereby reducing resistance and enhancing energy output while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through scalable preparation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the mass fraction of upconversion nanomaterial (0.8±0.05%) and ionic liquid concentration to achieve optimal electrochemical performance. These parameter optimizations reduce resistance and improve energy output by enhancing electron transport and ionic conductivity in the electrode-electrolyte interface.
3Reliability
If solid electrolytes are used, then safety issues are avoided, but the contact between electrodes and electrolyte is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gel-based emulsion electrolyte that combines the safety benefits of solid electrolytes with the flexible, conformal contact properties of gel structures. The gel matrix allows the electrolyte to adapt to electrode surfaces, ensuring good contact while maintaining the safety advantages of non-volatile, non-combustible ionic liquid components.
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 emulsion gel electrolytes and aerogel electrode materials exhibit improved ionic conductivity, mechanical stability, and thermal stability, resulting in higher specific capacity and energy density, suitable for a wide temperature range and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
an emulsion, an emulsion gel electrolyte, an aerogel... an oil-in-water emulsion... dispersing the upconversion nanomaterial in decane, then adding an aqueous solution of the ionic liquid and homogenizing to obtain the oil-in-water emulsion
Implementation Method 2
the emulsion gel electrolyte being formed by polymerization and cross-linking of the emulsion or an emulsion prepared by the method for preparing the emulsion, a cross-linking agent and the ionic liquid in the presence of an photoinitiator
Implementation Method 3
the aerogel being obtained by forming an emulsion gel by polymerization and cross-linking of the emulsion or an emulsion prepared by the method for preparing the emulsion, a cross-linking agent and the ionic liquid in the presence of an photoinitiator, and then freeze-drying the emulsion gel
Data Source
AI summary
An emulsion, an emulsion gel electrolyte, an aerogel, as well as a preparation method and a use; wherein the emulsion is an oil-in-water emulsion. An oil phase is a solution of decane dispersed with an upconversion nanomaterial and a water phase contains a polymerizable ionic liquid. The gel electrolytes and aerogel electrode materials prepared based on this emulsion have greatly improved the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors.