3D Grass-Like Electrode Structure for Higher Surface Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode structures lack sufficient surface area, which limits their performance in applications such as capacitors and fuel cells, where increased surface area is necessary to enhance capacitance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A high-surface-area electrode structure is created by combining a conductive part with a grass-like dielectric material and a conductive layer, where the conductive part and layer are electrically connected, utilizing materials like alumina or silica and fabricated using atomic layer deposition, and optionally incorporating additional layers for adhesion and property modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional electrode structures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but surface area is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar electrode structure to a three-dimensional grass-like structure by depositing dielectric material and conducting material in alternating layers at oblique angles. This dimensional transformation dramatically increases the surface area while maintaining electrical conductivity through the conductive layers that connect the vertical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode employs a composite structure combining dielectric material (such as alumina or silica) with conductive material (such as metal or conductive oxide) in alternating layers. This composite architecture enables both the high surface area provided by the dielectric grass-like structure and the electrical conductivity provided by the conductive layers.
2Area of stationary object
If porous films or nanoparticles are used to increase surface area, then capacitance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical processing methods (such as etching, anodizing, or nanoparticle assembly) with a deposition-based manufacturing approach. By using atomic layer deposition or similar techniques to deposit materials at oblique angles, the complex grass-like structure is formed in a controlled, scalable manner that is more suitable for industrial manufacturing than mechanical or self-assembly methods.
3Area of stationary object
If dielectric material is used to create high-surface-area structure, then surface area increases, but electrical conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into alternating layers of dielectric material and conductive material. The dielectric layers provide the high surface area grass-like structure, while the conductive layers are strategically positioned to maintain electrical connectivity. This segmentation allows each material to perform its primary function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layers act as intermediaries that bridge the dielectric grass-like structures, providing electrical connectivity between different regions of high surface area. These intermediate conductive layers enable the dielectric material to provide surface area while the conductive material ensures electrical conductivity is maintained throughout the structure.
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 resulting electrode structure provides a significantly increased surface area, enhancing capacitance and efficiency in applications like capacitors and supercapacitors, while maintaining electrical conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
fabricated using atomic layer deposition
Data Source
AI summary
The invention performs a new electrode structure that increases the surface area of the electrode. An electrode structure comprises a conductive part, a grass-like dielectric material on the conductive part, and a conductive layer on the grass-like dielectric material. The conductive part and the conductive layer is electrically connected to each other.