Lithium Air Battery Electrolyte Catalyst Decomposition

Solution Overview

Problem

Lithium air batteries face challenges with high charge potential and insufficient cycle characteristics due to the low electron conductivity of lithium peroxide, leading to decreased energy efficiency and rapid degradation during charge reactions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a nonaqueous lithium ion conductor with specific compounds like 2,5-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone, which function as efficient charging catalysts to decompose lithium peroxide, reducing charge potential and enhancing cycle characteristics by minimizing oxidative degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If lithium air battery uses conventional electrolyte without charging catalyst, then battery structure is simple, but charge potential is high and energy efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidelectrolyte composition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a charging catalyst as an intermediary substance in the electrolyte that mediates the decomposition of lithium peroxide. The catalyst (nitroxyl radical compound or quinone compound) acts as a mediator between lithium peroxide and the electrode, enabling decomposition at lower potentials through catalytic cycles, thus improving energy efficiency without fundamentally redesigning the battery structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by incorporating specific compounds (nitroxyl radical compounds with formula (1) or quinone compounds with formula (2)). These parameter changes in electrolyte composition enable the system to achieve lower charge potentials and improved energy efficiency while maintaining battery operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If lithium air battery operates with high charge potential, then charge reaction proceeds, but oxidative degradation occurs and cycle characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle characteristicsVSAvoidoxidative degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing antioxidants (nitroxyl radical compounds or quinone compounds) into the electrolyte before oxidative degradation can occur. These compounds preemptively protect against oxidation by acting as sacrificial antioxidants that scavenge reactive oxygen species and prevent degradation of battery components during charging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging catalyst serves as an intermediary that enables lithium peroxide decomposition through catalytic cycles at lower potentials. By mediating the reaction pathway, the catalyst prevents direct high-potential oxidation that would cause degradation, thus improving cycle characteristics while maintaining charge functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If lithium peroxide is decomposed without catalyst, then charge reaction occurs, but high voltage must be applied causing component degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge reaction efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a charging catalyst as an intermediary substance in the electrolyte that mediates the decomposition of lithium peroxide. The catalyst (nitroxyl radical compound or quinone compound) acts as a mediator between lithium peroxide and the electrode, enabling decomposition at lower potentials through catalytic cycles, thus improving energy efficiency without fundamentally redesigning the battery structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by incorporating specific compounds (nitroxyl radical compounds with formula (1) or quinone compounds with formula (2)). These parameter changes in electrolyte composition enable the system to achieve lower charge potentials and improved energy efficiency while maintaining battery operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 use of these compounds effectively decreases the charge potential and improves the cycle characteristics of lithium air batteries by promoting lithium peroxide decomposition, thereby maintaining battery performance and reducing voltage application-induced degradation.

Implementation Method 1

the nonaqueous lithium ion conductor contains a compound represented by the following formula (1)... which function as efficient charging catalysts to decompose lithium peroxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

a positive electrode configured to use oxygen in air as a positive electrode active material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Implementation Method 3

a negative electrode configured to occlude and release lithium ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntercalation:

Data Source

PatentUS10916807B2Lithium air battery that includes nonaqueous lithium ion conductor

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A lithium air battery includes: a negative electrode configured to occlude and release lithium ions; a positive electrode configured to use oxygen in air as a positive electrode active material; and a nonaqueous lithium ion conductor disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The nonaqueous lithium ion conductor contains a compound.