Lithium-Based Battery Electrode Porous Substrate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal electrodes in batteries are highly reactive with water, posing safety risks due to their reactivity, which necessitates the use of non-aqueous electrolytes and sealed containers to prevent moisture exposure.
Innovation Solution
An electrically insulating lithium-based compound, such as lithium sulphide or lithium oxide, is used as the active material, supported on an open interconnected wall structure of electrically conductive material with a high surface area, providing an electrical path for electron generation and storage while minimizing reactivity risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium metal electrodes are used to achieve high electrode potential and high output voltage, then the energy storage capability is improved, but the reactivity with water increases causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous substrate structure with high surface area to support the lithium-based active material. The porous structure allows efficient ion transport while the substrate provides mechanical stability and electrical conductivity, enabling the use of less reactive lithium compounds without compromising energy storage performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite electrode structures combining conductive substrates with lithium-based active materials. This composite approach allows the electrode to maintain high energy storage capability through the lithium compound while the conductive substrate provides structural integrity and electrical pathways, reducing the harmful reactivity issues
2Power
If lithium metal electrodes are used to maintain high output voltage, then the battery performance is improved, but sealed containers and non-aqueous electrolytes are required increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical state of lithium from metallic form to compound form (such as lithium oxide, lithium sulphide, or lithium phosphate). This parameter change reduces the reactivity of lithium while maintaining its electrochemical activity, allowing the battery to operate with simpler sealing requirements and potentially with aqueous electrolytes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs readily available lithium-based compounds that can be processed using standard manufacturing techniques. By using these materials with inherent lower reactivity, the need for complex hermetic sealing and specialized non-aqueous electrolyte systems is reduced, simplifying the overall device structure
3Quantity of substance
If the surface area of the electrode is increased to enhance energy storage, then the capacity is improved, but the reactivity with moisture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a porous substrate with high surface area that provides extensive active material loading capacity. The porous structure increases the quantity of lithium-based active material that can be incorporated while the substrate architecture controls exposure to moisture, maintaining safety while enhancing energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies lithium-based active materials selectively on conductive substrate regions where electrochemical activity is needed. This local application ensures high energy storage capacity in active regions while minimizing overall exposure to moisture, as the substrate provides protective and conductive functions in non-active regions
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 safety by reducing the reactivity of lithium-based batteries with water, allowing for the use of aqueous or non-aqueous electrolytes without the need for hermetic sealing, while maintaining high energy storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the open interconnected wall structure is configured to act as a charge collector for the generated and/or stored electrons through which an electrical path for the electrons is provided
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a substrate and an active material, the substrate including an open interconnected wall structure of electrically conductive material having one or more pores, the open interconnected wall structure providing the substrate upon which the active material is supported, wherein the active material includes an electrically insulating lithium-based compound configured for use in generating and/or storing electrons, and wherein the open interconnected wall structure is configured to act as a charge collector for the generated and/or stored electrons through which an electrical path for the electrons is provided.