Lithium-Air Battery Electrolyte with High-Concentration Lithium Nitrate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium air batteries suffer from low energy efficiency due to higher charge voltage compared to discharge voltage, and existing solutions do not adequately enhance energy efficiency through simpler arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte for lithium air batteries containing an amide-based organic solvent and lithium nitrate, with a concentration of lithium nitrate ranging from 2 to 5.5 mol/L, is used to improve energy efficiency, incorporating an organic material like aromatic hydrocarbons or halogenated ethers to adjust viscosity and prevent water contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional electrolytes (water-soluble or organic) are used in lithium air batteries, then the battery can operate, but energy efficiency remains low due to high charge voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of lithium nitrate in the amide-based organic solvent to a specific range (0.1-2.0 mol/L) to optimize energy efficiency. This parameter optimization reduces charge voltage and improves charge-discharge efficiency without requiring complex structural modifications to the battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte system combining amide-based organic solvent with lithium nitrate salt, creating a specialized electrolyte composition that achieves both high energy efficiency and simple structural arrangement. The composite nature of this electrolyte allows it to function effectively without additional complex components.
2Loss of energy
If lithium nitrate concentration is increased to improve energy efficiency, then charge-discharge efficiency enhances, but electrolyte viscosity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration of lithium nitrate within a specific range (0.1-2.0 mol/L) to balance energy efficiency improvement with acceptable viscosity levels. This parameter optimization ensures that the electrolyte maintains suitable flow properties while achieving enhanced charge-discharge efficiency.
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 electrolyte enhances energy efficiency by optimizing lithium nitrate concentration and solvent selection, leading to improved charge/discharge cycle properties and capacity retention in lithium air batteries, while maintaining low water content and viscosity within practical ranges.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte for lithium air batteries, which contains an amide-based organic solvent and lithium nitrate
Implementation Method 2
the concentration of lithium nitrate in the amide-based organic solvent satisfies a range of no less than 2 mol/L to no greater than 5.5 mol/L
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrolyte capable of improving the energy efficiency of a lithium air battery, and a lithium air battery using the electrolyte. An electrolyte for lithium air batteries according to the invention includes an amide-based organic solvent and lithium nitrate, wherein the concentration of lithium nitrate in the amide-based organic solvent satisfies a range of no less than 2 mol/L to no greater than 5.5 mol/L. A lithium air battery according to the invention includes an air electrode, a negative electrode including a lithium metal, and an electrolyte located between the air electrode and the negative electrode, wherein the electrolyte is provided by the aforesaid electrolyte.