Matrix Electrode Sheet Structure for Thin Stable Energy Storage Foils

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode foils for electrical energy storage devices face challenges in achieving sufficient mechanical stability while maintaining thin thickness to ensure electrical conductivity, particularly during manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A foil-like functional material is designed with a support medium composed of structural materials forming a matrix with linear and node-shaped support elements, coated with a first functional material, and the remaining volume is filled with a second functional material that differs in function, allowing for a thin thickness and enhanced mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional methods (extrusion, lamination, sputtering, vapor deposition) are used to produce foil-like structures, then continuous foil production is achieved, but the materials are limited to metals, ceramics, and plastics with minimum thickness of 1-2 micrometers and high energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial thicknessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the material from bulk solid to colloidal suspension, enabling deposition at much lower thicknesses (nanometer range) and reducing energy consumption compared to conventional vapor deposition and sputtering methods that require high energy input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces mechanical/thermal processes (extrusion, lamination, sputtering, vapor deposition) with a chemical/colloidal process where functional material-containing colloids are applied and dried to form foils, eliminating the need for high-energy equipment and complex mechanical lamination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods are used, then foil production is achieved, but functional materials such as organic dyes, pigments, and biomolecules cannot be incorporated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial compatibilityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses composite colloidal systems where functional materials (organic dyes, pigments, biomolecules) are dispersed in a colloidal matrix, allowing incorporation of diverse materials that cannot be deposited by conventional metal/ceramic/plastic methods while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The colloidal deposition method serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of materials (metals, ceramics, plastics, organic dyes, pigments, biomolecules) through a single consistent process, eliminating the need for different specialized equipment for different material types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If organic dyes, pigments, and biomolecules are to be incorporated, then material versatility is improved, but conventional methods cannot process these materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional material incorporationVSAvoidmanufacturing feasibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the manufacturing approach from high-energy physical deposition to low-energy colloidal drying, making it feasible to incorporate sensitive functional materials like organic dyes, pigments, and biomolecules that would decompose or fail to deposit using conventional methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The colloidal suspension acts as an intermediary carrier that protects and delivers functional materials during the deposition process, allowing sensitive materials to be incorporated without direct exposure to harsh deposition conditions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a mechanically stable electrode foil with improved electrical conductivity and energy storage capacity, suitable for use in electrical energy storage devices.

Implementation Method 1

The foil-like functional material according to the invention is produced in a simple process from functional material-containing colloids which are applied and dried

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3740981B1Electrode sheet and method for producing the same
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 ELFOLION GMBH
  • EP3740981B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2F
  • EP3740981B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4A
  • EP3740981B1 patent drawingFigure 4B~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a foil-like functional material (1) which provides at least one predefined function and can be used for targeted physical, chemical, physicochemical, biological, technical and technological purposes and in which is arranged a carrier medium (2), which comprises a total carrier volume, has a cross-sectional extent (7) of ≤100 pm, can be regarded as a matrix, and is formed from linear carrier elements (3a) and node-like carrier elements (3b), which form the substance components of the carrier medium (2) and pass through the total carrier volume to form a strip-like extent with interconnected partial volumes (5) which are situated therein and spanned by carrier elements (3) situated in the vicinity. The carrier elements (3) are sheathed with a first functional substance (4) which provides a first function. The remaining volume of the total carrier volume formed by the interconnected partial volumes (5) is filled with at least one second functional substance (6) which provides a second function which differs from the first function. The invention also relates to a method for producing a foil-like functional material (1) of this type.