High-Temperature Supercapacitor Electrolyte and Electrode Composition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochemical energy storage devices are limited by thermally induced degradation of electrolytes and separators, restricting their operation to temperatures below 85°C, while there is a need for devices that can function effectively up to 200°C or higher, especially in extreme environments.
Innovation Solution
A supercapacitor device with a carbonaceous matrix modified or doped with transition metal compounds, supported by current collector elements and a non-aqueous electrolyte composition, exploiting both electric double layer and faradic mechanisms for energy storage, using materials like graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, and employing a polymer gel electrolyte to enhance stability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid electrolytes with low boiling point are used in electrochemical energy storage devices, then the devices can operate at normal temperatures, but the maximum operating temperature is restricted to 85°C due to thermal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to gel form, and modifies its chemical composition by incorporating flame-retardant additives and cyclic carbonates. This transforms the electrolyte's thermal properties, raising the maximum operating temperature from 85°C to 200°C while maintaining stability through the gel matrix structure and enhanced chemical composition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system combining gel matrix (such as polyacrylonitrile or polyvinylidene fluoride), flame-retardant additives (like phosphoric acid esters), and cyclic carbonate solvents. This composite structure provides both the high-temperature stability of the gel framework and the ionic conductivity needed for electrochemical operation, resolving the contradiction between temperature resistance and functional reliability
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional electrochemical devices operate at high temperatures, then energy storage capacity may increase, but thermally induced degradation of electrolytes and separators occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal energy that causes degradation into a beneficial factor by designing the gel electrolyte to be specifically engineered for high-temperature operation. The flame-retardant additives and thermally stable gel matrix transform the previously harmful high-temperature environment into a suitable operating condition, enabling energy storage capacity to be utilized at temperatures up to 200°C without degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electrolyte's physical and chemical parameters through gelation and additive incorporation, changing its thermal stability profile. This allows the device to operate at elevated temperatures where conventional liquid electrolytes would degrade, thereby enabling higher energy storage capacity to be achieved without suffering from thermal degradation effects
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 device achieves high capacitance values and operational stability up to 200°C, offering improved energy density and extended operational life, suitable for high-temperature applications such as subterranean environments.
Implementation Method 1
exploiting both electric double layer and faradic mechanisms for energy storage
Implementation Method 2
exploiting both electric double layer and faradic mechanisms for energy storage
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage device, especially a super capacitor, useful for high temperature applications has current collector elements supporting a carbonaceous matrix modified or doped with pseudo-capacitive materials, including one or more transition metal dichalcogenides, transition metal oxides and mixtures thereof, in contact with a non-aqueous electrolyte composition whereby it is possible to exploit the faradic mechanism in addition to the electric double layer mechanism as an energy storage principle.