Graphene Foam Anode with Embedded Nanostructures for Battery Volume Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current secondary battery technologies face challenges in achieving improved charging capacity, durability, stability, and flexibility due to limitations in volume expansion of anode materials, which affect the performance and reliability of lithium secondary batteries.
Innovation Solution
The development of an anode material comprising a graphene foam structure with embedded nanostructures such as silicon, germanium, or tin, which accommodate and discharge ions within a porous framework, allowing for controlled volume expansion without compromising the overall structure, thereby enhancing charging capacity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional anode materials are used to increase charging capacity, then the battery can store more energy, but the anode material undergoes excessive volume expansion that compromises structural integrity and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds nanostructures (such as silicon, germanium, or tin nanoparticles) within the pores of a graphene foam structure. The graphene foam acts as a host matrix that accommodates the nested nanostructures, allowing the high-capacity materials to be integrated without causing macroscopic structural failure. This nesting approach enables the anode to achieve high charging capacity while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a porous graphene foam structure with controlled porosity (e.g., 70-90%) to create a three-dimensional network that can accommodate volume expansion of the embedded nanostructures during charging. The porous architecture provides sufficient space for material expansion while maintaining the overall structural framework, thus resolving the contradiction between charging capacity and structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the anode material structure is made more robust to improve durability, then the battery becomes more reliable, but the flexibility and ion movement capability of the anode is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different regions of the anode: the graphene foam framework provides robustness and durability at the macroscopic level, while the pores and internal voids within the foam structure provide open pathways for ion movement. This local differentiation of structural properties allows the anode to simultaneously achieve durability and ease of ion transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar electrode structures to a three-dimensional graphene foam architecture. This dimensional change creates a volumetric network with interconnected pores that provide multiple pathways for ion movement while maintaining structural robustness. The 3D structure offers both durability through its framework and ease of operation through its porous channels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the anode material is made flexible to improve adaptability, then the battery can be bent or shaped, but the structural integrity and electrical conductivity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a graphene-based foam structure that inherently possesses flexibility at the nanoscale while maintaining macroscopic structural integrity. The graphene frames forming the foam structure can bend and deform elastically, allowing the anode to be flexible and adaptable to different shapes, while the interconnected network of graphene frames maintains electrical conductivity and structural strength even when bent.
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 solution significantly increases the charging capacity and durability of secondary batteries while maintaining structural integrity and flexibility, providing excellent electrical conductivity and ion movement with reduced resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a graphene foam structure including graphene frames connected to each other and a plurality of pores between and around the graphene frames
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of nanostructures may include a material capable of accommodating or discharging ions when the secondary battery is respectively charged or discharged
Implementation Method 3
providing excellent electrical conductivity and ion movement with reduced resistance
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to electrode materials, secondary batteries including the electrode materials, and methods of manufacturing the electrode materials and the secondary batteries. An electrode material may include a foam structure having a plurality of pores and a plurality of nanostructures disposed in the plurality of pores. The foam structure may include a graphene foam structure. The plurality of nanostructures may include at least one of a nanoparticle and a nanorod. The plurality of nanostructures may include a material capable of accommodating/discharging ions. The electrode material may be used as an anode material of a secondary battery.