Layered Hydroxide Anion Electrodes for Charge-Balanced Electrochemistry
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of suitable high-performance anion insertion materials hinders the charge balance and performance of electrochemical devices, such as those used in water desalination and energy storage, as they are not analogous to the advanced cation insertion materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of layered hydroxides as anion insertion materials, specifically synthesized using a process involving the formation of a mixture of cation salts in a NaOH solution, which can be embedded in conductive supports and used as flow electrodes or in surface redox reactions, enabling tunable electrochemical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional carbon electrodes are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but charge balance and performance are limited due to lack of high-performance anion insertion materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing layered hydroxides with specific cation ratios (M2+:M3+ = 2:1) and controlled particle sizes (1-100 nm), which fundamentally alters the material's ability to insert anions while maintaining charge balance. This compositional parameter change enables the anion electrode to match the performance of cation insertion materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite materials by combining multiple cations (M2+ and M3+) in specific ratios within the layered hydroxide structure, and further composites these nanoparticles with conductive supports. This composite approach enhances both the charge balance capability and anion insertion performance simultaneously.
2Reliability
If layered hydroxide nanoparticles are synthesized and embedded in conductive supports, then electrochemical performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-synthesizing layered hydroxide nanoparticles with controlled sizes and compositions before embedding them in conductive supports. This preliminary preparation of nanoparticles with optimized properties enables subsequent easy integration into electrode structures, balancing manufacturing complexity with performance improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrode material into discrete nanoparticle units (1-100 nm) that can be independently synthesized and then assembled into the final electrode structure. This segmentation allows for controlled synthesis of individual particles with specific properties, followed by simple composite formation with conductive supports.
3Productivity
If high-rate cation insertion materials are used in the cation electrode, then cation insertion performance is enhanced, but charge balance is constrained by lack of matching anion insertion materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal electrode material system where layered hydroxides can function as anion insertion electrodes with performance characteristics matching high-rate cation insertion materials. The multi-functionality is achieved by tuning the cation composition and particle size to provide both high reaction rates and charge balance capability in the same material system.
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 allows for reversible anion insertion and improved electrochemical performance under specific potentials, enhancing the efficiency of electrochemical devices and enabling their use in energy storage and desalination applications.
Implementation Method 1
reversible anion insertion and improved electrochemical performance under specific potentials
Implementation Method 2
improved electrochemical performance under specific potentials
Implementation Method 3
forming a mixture of a first cation salt and a second cation salt in water; injecting the mixture into a NaOH solution; and extracting layered hydroxide nanoparticles
Data Source
AI summary
Further described herein are extensions to the basic concept of LHs as electrode materials, include both new materials for use with LHs and higher order poly-layer hydroxides (PLHs) as well as methods for synthesizing improved LH material such as with conductive supports or through the use of cross-linking. Finally, also described herein are embodiments enabling the use of LHs as flow electrodes as well as the use of 2-d LH materials for surface redox reactions.