Primary Lithium Battery Sulfite Electrolyte Energy Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current primary lithium batteries have a reduced specific energy due to high electrolyte mass and limited utilization of active materials, as the electrolyte does not participate in discharge reactions effectively, especially in high energy density applications.
Innovation Solution
A primary lithium battery employing a solid-liquid phase series coupling reaction mode with a reactive solid cathode, an ionic conductive liquid electrolyte containing a sulfite ester type compound, and a lithium anode, where the sulfite compound participates in discharge reactions at lower voltages, reducing inactive component mass and enhancing energy density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional liquid electrolyte is used in primary lithium battery, then ionic conduction is achieved, but electrolyte mass is high which reduces specific energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by introducing sulfite esters (such as ethylene sulfite, propylene sulfite) in specific concentrations (5-90 wt%). This compositional parameter change enables the electrolyte to participate in discharge reactions, transforming it from an inactive component to an active energy-storing medium, thereby improving specific energy while maintaining ionic conduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte is designed to serve multiple functions: (1) ionic conduction during charging, (2) liquid cathode participation in discharge reactions, and (3) voltage extension. By making the electrolyte multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate inactive components and enables the electrolyte mass to contribute to energy storage, resolving the contradiction between electrolyte mass and specific energy.
2Quantity of substance
If solid cathode material with high specific energy is used, then theoretical energy density increases, but inactive components reduce the overall specific energy of assembled battery
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte serves itself by participating in discharge reactions as a liquid cathode. During discharge, the sulfite ester-containing electrolyte reacts with lithium to generate electricity directly, making the electrolyte a productive component rather than a parasitic mass. This self-service mechanism transforms the electrolyte from a non-energy-contributing component into an active energy source, improving overall battery specific energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the traditional cathode material and electrolyte into a unified energy storage system. The sulfite ester-containing electrolyte acts as both the ionic conductor and the liquid cathode, combining previously separate functional components. This merging eliminates inactive components and enables the electrolyte mass to contribute to energy storage, resolving the contradiction between cathode specific energy and assembled battery specific energy.
3Stability of the object's composition
If electrolyte only remains stable until discharge is complete, then stability is maintained, but additional capacity in higher voltage range is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior into the electrolyte by enabling it to switch between two functional states: (1) stable ionic conductor during charging, and (2) reactive liquid cathode during discharge. The sulfite ester-containing electrolyte dynamically participates in discharge reactions at higher voltages (2.4-3.2 V), providing additional capacity while maintaining stability during charging. This dynamic functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and additional capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte provides continuous useful action throughout the battery cycle: during charging, it conducts ions; during discharge, it provides additional capacity through liquid cathode reactions. The sulfite ester-containing electrolyte maintains stability during charging and then continuously provides electrochemical energy during discharge, eliminating idle periods and maximizing the utilization of all battery components, including the electrolyte mass.
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 sulfite compounds as a liquid electrode in the primary lithium battery significantly increases specific capacity and energy density by allowing additional capacity in a higher voltage range, reducing the mass ratio of inactive components and achieving higher energy density.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid electrolyte mainly conducts lithium-ions
Implementation Method 2
a sulfite compound in the liquid electrolyte can participate in the discharge reaction by acting as a liquid electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a primary lithium battery comprising a reactive solid cathode, a liquid electrolyte, a separator, and a lithium anode. The liquid electrolyte is ionic conductive and is configured to undergo a series coupling reaction after solid phase reaction of the reactive solid cathode and the lithium anode. The liquid electrolyte comprises a solvent and an electrolyte salt, and a concentration of the electrolyte salt in the liquid electrolyte is 0.1-3 mol/L. The solvent comprises a sulfite ester type compound and an organic solvent, and a concentration of the sulfite ester type compound in the organic solvent is 5 wt % to 90 wt %.