Ion ON/OFF Surface Switch for Electrochemical Reactor Self-Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current batteries and capacitors face challenges with self-discharge due to the direct contact between electrolyte aqueous solutions and electrodes, leading to high leakage current and limited discharge capacity, especially when using base metals like lithium, calcium, or magnesium, which react violently with water.
Innovation Solution
A water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane is used as an ion ON/OFF surface switch to separate the electrolyte from the electrodes, allowing ion conduction only when pressurized, thereby preventing self-discharge and maintaining low electric resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If base metal elements (Groups 1, 2, 13) are brought into contact with water in electrolyte aqueous solution, then ionization and electrochemical reactions occur, but self-discharge and violent reactions with water occur
Solution Approach 1:
A water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the base metal electrode and the electrolyte aqueous solution. The membrane contains pores that can be filled with an organic solvent, creating an intermediate layer that prevents direct contact between water and the reactive metal while still allowing ion transport for electrochemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluororesin membrane exhibits different properties in different regions: the bulk material is water-repellent to prevent water contact, while the pores can be selectively filled with organic solvent to enable ion conduction. This local differentiation allows simultaneous prevention of violent reactions and maintenance of electrochemical functionality.
2Productivity
If electrolyte aqueous solution is used for high discharge capacity, then electrochemical reactions are enhanced, but leakage current and self-discharge increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluororesin membrane with organic solvent-filled pores acts as an intermediary that selectively facilitates desired electrochemical reactions while blocking parasitic leakage currents. The organic solvent in the pores provides a controlled environment for ion transport that reduces unwanted side reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous structure of the fluororesin membrane provides channels for ion transport while the water-repellent nature and organic solvent filling control the electrochemical environment. The pore structure enables sufficient ion conduction for high discharge capacity while the hydrophobic properties reduce leakage current.
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 effectively inhibits self-discharge and leakage current, enabling high-capacity, long-duration charging and discharging while ensuring safety and preventing fires, particularly in lithium-ion batteries and electrochemical capacitors.
Implementation Method 1
a water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane is used as an ion ON/OFF surface switch to separate the electrolyte from the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
when the electrolyte aqueous solution is pressurized by the pressurizing device, the electrolyte aqueous solution is partially injected into the plurality of pores of the water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane
Implementation Method 3
The ion ON/OFF surface switch is configured such that when the electrolyte aqueous solution is pressurized by the pressurizing device, the electrolyte aqueous solution is partially injected into the plurality of pores... to form a layer of the ionic conductor
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical reactor includes an ion ON/OFF surface switch operating as an ionic conductor, which includes a pair of electrodes, an electrolyte aqueous solution present between the pair of electrodes, a water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane disposed such that at least one surface thereof is in contact with the electrolyte aqueous solution and including a plurality of pores communicating with each other and a pressing equipment configured to pressurize the electrolyte aqueous solution. As such, electrolysis, a secondary battery and a capacitor, which uses the water-repellent porous fluororesin membrane as an ion ON/OFF surface switch, can be provided.