Gel Electrolyte Capacitor Eliminating Separator Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical capacitors face challenges with low energy density, high internal resistance, and safety concerns due to liquid electrolyte leakage, and existing solid electrolytes have limitations in ionic conductivity and film strength without a separator.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical capacitor is developed using a gel electrolyte composition of a crosslinked polyether copolymer with ethyleneoxide units and an alkyl phenone photoreaction initiator, eliminating the need for a separator by crosslinking and gelling the electrolyte between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid electrolyte solution is used to ensure high ion conductivity, then the electrochemical capacitor achieves good charge/discharge characteristics, but the device suffers from safety risks due to electrolyte leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte is transformed from a liquid state to a gel state by incorporating a polyether copolymer matrix, fundamentally changing the physical state parameter while maintaining ionic conductivity through the gel network structure
Solution Approach 2:
A composite gel electrolyte is created by combining a polyether copolymer matrix with electrolyte salts, forming a new material that integrates the structural benefits of solids with the ionic conductivity of liquids
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a solid electrolyte is used to eliminate leakage risks, then the device improves safety, but the electrochemical capacitor exhibits lower ion conductivity and reduced capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte transitions from solid to gel state, optimizing the intermediate state that balances mechanical strength with ionic mobility, achieving both safety and conductivity
3Reliability
If a separator is used to prevent electrode contact, then the device achieves basic safety, but the electrochemical capacitor suffers from reduced capacitance and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The gel electrolyte performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the ionic conductor, provides mechanical separation between electrodes, and maintains structural integrity, eliminating the need for a separate separator component
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the electrolyte and separator are merged into a single gel electrolyte layer that provides both ionic conductivity and physical separation, reducing device complexity
4Use of energy by moving object
If the electrochemical capacitor is designed for high energy density, then the device stores more energy, but the internal resistance increases and charge/discharge characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gel electrolyte's physical state and compositional parameters are optimized to achieve a balance between energy storage capacity and power delivery, allowing high energy density without excessive internal resistance
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 solution achieves high ion conductivity, mechanical strength, and reliable charge/discharge characteristics, enhancing safety and performance without a separator, while maintaining high energy density and stability across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
a photoreaction initiator which crosslinks the polyether copolymer is an alkyl phenone photoreaction initiator
Implementation Method 2
which has a high energy density, which has a low internal resistance, can withstand a high voltage, and can rapidly charge and discharge at a large current
Data Source
AI summary
A low-cost electrochemical capacitor is provided which has high capacity and excellent charging and discharging characteristics, simultaneously has excellent safety and reliability, and has the basic performance as a capacitor, achieved in that, as the electrolyte between a negative electrode and a positive electrode, a solution of an ambient temperature molten salt and a specific polyether copolymer is allowed to gel using a specific photoreaction initiator and is held between the two electrodes. This low-cost electrochemical capacitor has the basic performance of a capacitor, has high capacity and excellent charging and discharging characteristics without use of a separator, and simultaneously has excellent safety and reliability.