Functionalized Boron Nitride Nanoparticles for High-Power Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for energy storage devices with increased charge and discharge rates while maintaining high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities and capacities, which traditional Li-ion batteries do not adequately provide.

Innovation Solution

The use of covalently functionalized boron nitride nanoparticles in a porous, electrically and ionically conducting matrix within the electrodes of energy storage devices, allowing for enhanced electron and ion conductivity, and the incorporation of functionalized boron nitride or analogous materials as electroactive species to improve energy storage performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If traditional Li-ion battery materials are used, then energy storage device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but charge and discharge rates are limited and cannot achieve high power output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge and discharge rateVSAvoidelectrode material structure

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials consisting of functionalized boron nitride nanoparticles embedded in a porous electrically and ionically conducting matrix. This composite structure combines the high electron affinity and electrochemical activity of functionalized BN with the conductivity and structural support of the matrix material, achieving both high power output and stable performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by functionalizing specific regions of boron nitride nanoparticles with electron-accepting groups. This creates localized areas of high electrochemical activity within the particles, enabling enhanced charge and discharge rates at specific sites while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the electrode material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If functionalized boron nitride materials are used as electroactive species, then electron acceptance capability and energy density increase, but material synthesis complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidmaterial synthesis

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the chemical structure of boron nitride through functionalization with electron-accepting groups. This changes the electronic and electrochemical parameters of the material, increasing its energy density and electrochemical activity. The functionalization process adjusts molecular parameters to achieve desired performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If high electron affinity materials are used, then voltage and energy density increase, but ion and electron conductivity may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidconductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the porous electrically and ionically conducting matrix as an intermediary between the functionalized boron nitride nanoparticles and the electrolyte. This matrix facilitates efficient ion and electron transport to and from the electroactive species, maintaining high conductivity while allowing the use of high electron affinity materials that would otherwise have limited conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables higher charge and discharge rates and comparable or superior energy densities and capacities to traditional Li-ion batteries, with functionalized boron nitride materials acting as strong electron acceptors and enabling high voltage and energy density storage.

Implementation Method 1

The functionalized boron nitride materials are electrochemically reduced to enable the release of electrical energy during the discharge of the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

a porous, electrically and ionically conducting matrix contacting the positive electrode current collector, and covalently functionalized boron nitride nanoparticles embedded in the porous, electrically and ionically conducting matrix such that both electrons and ions are conducted to the functionalized boron nitride nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

at least one conductor ionically connecting the positive electrode to the negative electrode, wherein the conductor transports positive ions released by the negative electrode during a discharge cycle of the electrochemical energy storage device and absorbed by the negative electrode during a charge cycle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon transport: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 4

The functionalized boron nitride materials are electrochemically reduced to enable the release of electrical energy during the discharge of the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy conversion: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS10693137B2Functionalized boron nitride materials as electroactive species in electrochemical energy storage devices

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 BORON NITRIDE POWER LLC

AI summary

There is provided an improved electrochemical energy storage device. The storage device includes using functionalized boron nitride nanoparticles as electroactive materials in the electrodes.