Layered Porous Current Collector Electrode for Dendrite Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable energy storage devices face challenges in increasing energy density without reducing power and suffer from short cycling lifetime due to dendrite formation and non-uniform zinc redistribution, leading to short-circuits and capacity loss.
Innovation Solution
The electrode structure comprises multiple layers of electrode material and porous current collector layers alternated in a specific pattern, with at least one external layer being an electrode material layer, preventing direct contact between porous current collectors and the electrolyte, which enhances current distribution and zinc redistribution, thereby improving energy density and cycling lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single current collector layer is used in direct contact with the electrolyte, then the device structure is simple, but dendrite formation occurs leading to short-circuits and reduced cycling lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The single current collector layer is segmented into multiple current collector layers (first, second, and third current collector layers) separated by electrode material layers. This segmentation prevents dendrite formation by distributing current collection across multiple surfaces, thereby improving cycling lifetime while managing structural complexity through a systematic layered arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrode material layers are introduced as intermediary layers between the current collector layers. These intermediary layers prevent direct contact between the current collectors and the electrolyte, blocking dendrite formation pathways while maintaining electrical connectivity through the layered structure, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If the electrode structure uses multiple current collector layers with electrode material layers in between, then dendrite formation is reduced and cycling lifetime is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into repeating units of current collector layers and electrode material layers. This segmentation creates multiple current collection surfaces distributed throughout the electrode structure, improving current distribution and preventing dendrite formation, while the modular repeating pattern manages complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure employs a nested arrangement where electrode material layers are positioned between current collector layers, creating a nested configuration. The first current collector layer is nested with the first electrode material layer, which is in turn nested with the second current collector layer, and so on. This nesting optimizes space utilization and current distribution while maintaining a compact structure.
3Productivity
If porous current collector layers are placed in direct contact with the electrolyte, then current collection efficiency is high, but zinc redistribution becomes non-uniform leading to dendrite formation
Solution Approach 1:
Electrode material layers serve as intermediary barriers between the porous current collector layers and the electrolyte. This arrangement maintains the high surface area and porosity of the current collectors for efficient current collection, while the intermediary electrode material layers prevent direct zinc deposition on the current collector surfaces, ensuring uniform zinc redistribution and preventing dendrite formation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different layers are assigned different local functions: current collector layers provide high surface area for current collection, while electrode material layers provide controlled zinc deposition interfaces. This local differentiation allows each layer to optimize its specific function, maintaining current collection efficiency while ensuring uniform zinc redistribution at the electrode material interfaces.
4Ease of manufacture
If external layers are current collector layers, then electrical connection is simplified, but dendrite formation occurs on external surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The external current collector layers are protected by external electrode material layers that act as intermediaries with the electrolyte. This arrangement maintains simplified electrical connection through the current collectors while the intermediary electrode material layers prevent dendrite formation on the external surfaces by providing controlled zinc deposition interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful function of external current collector surfaces (direct zinc deposition leading to dendrites) is extracted by removing their direct contact with the electrolyte. The external current collector layers retain their electrical connection function, while the external electrode material layers assume the zinc deposition function, separating these functions to eliminate dendrite formation.
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 configuration enhances energy density and reversibility of the electrode, reducing the formation of dendrites and maintaining electrochemical performance over multiple cycles, with improved active electrode volume and minimal weight.
Implementation Method 1
several porous current collector layers CC, said electrode material ME and current collector CC layers being alternated
Implementation Method 2
the reduction of the oxides, hydroxides and zincates into zinc at the anode during the recharges is characterized by morphological changes of said electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an electrode for an energy storage rechargeable device, including a plurality of electrode material layers and a plurality of porous current collector layers, the electrode material layers and current collector layers being arranged in a specific manner, an energy storage rechargeable device including the electrode, and the uses of the electrode.