Gradient-Hole Battery Electrode for Uniform Electrolyte Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries experience non-uniform electrolyte distribution between the edge and center of the electrode, leading to lithium precipitation and reduced battery life, especially during rapid charging.
Innovation Solution
The electrode design incorporates a substrate with an active material layer featuring holes that deepen from the edge to the center, arranged in a matrix configuration, and connection portions that also deepen in a specific direction, enhancing electrolyte wettability and uniform impregnation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrolyte is injected into the electrode assembly, then the edge portion is advantageously wetted by electrolyte, but electrolyte wetting becomes less effective toward the center, resulting in non-uniform electrolyte distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is designed with varying hole depths at different locations: shallower holes at the edge and deeper holes at the center. This local variation in hole depth creates different electrolyte absorption capacities at different positions, enabling the electrolyte to penetrate uniformly throughout the electrode assembly from edge to center.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat electrode structure to a three-dimensional structure with varying hole depths. By introducing the depth dimension and creating a gradient from shallow edges to deep centers, the electrolyte can access active material throughout the entire electrode volume more effectively, resolving the wetting effectiveness issue.
2Productivity
If non-uniform electrolyte distribution occurs, then lithium precipitation happens, but this shortens battery life and makes rapid charging difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By creating local variations in hole depth (shallower at edges, deeper at centers), the electrode achieves uniform electrolyte distribution across all regions. This prevents lithium precipitation in poorly wetted areas and enables consistent electrochemical reactions throughout the electrode, supporting both rapid charging and long battery life.
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 design improves electrolyte adhesion at the interface, reduces interfacial lifting, and ensures uniform electrolyte distribution, thereby increasing battery life and facilitating rapid charging.
Implementation Method 1
the hole has a depth becoming deeper from an edge of the substrate to a center... improves electrolyte adhesion at the interface... ensures uniform electrolyte distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrode for a rechargeable battery may include a substrate, and an active material layer formed on the substrate. The substrate has a plurality of holes, where the holes have depths that become deeper from an edge of the substrate to a center of the substrate.