Metal-Air Battery Electrolyte with Multi-Redox Mediator Catalyst

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metal M-air battery electrolytes require multiple compounds, leading to complexity and inefficiencies in charge and discharge mechanisms, with high charge potential, low discharge potential, and limited capacity.

Innovation Solution

A non-aqueous electrolyte medium containing an Organic Multi Redox Mediator (OMRM) compound with two reversible Organic Redox Mediator Center terminations, ORMC1 and ORMC2, which acts as a single catalyst for both charge and discharge, reducing hysteresis and increasing capacity by improving reaction rates and simplifying electrolyte formulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple compounds are used in the electrolyte, then the charge and discharge mechanisms can be supported, but the electrolyte formulation becomes complex and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge and discharge mechanism supportVSAvoidelectrolyte formulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple redox mediator functions into a single Organic Multi Redox Mediator (OMRM) compound that contains at least two different reversible Organic Redox Mediator Center terminations (ORMC1 and ORMC2). This merging approach maintains the ability to support both charge and discharge mechanisms while simplifying the electrolyte formulation from multiple separate compounds to one integrated compound.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The OMRM compound is designed with multi-functionality, where a single compound performs multiple redox mediator roles simultaneously. The compound contains different ORMC terminations that can participate in various electrochemical reactions, making one compound universal for both charge and discharge processes, thereby reducing electrolyte complexity while maintaining versatility.

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

2Reliability

If conventional electrolytes are used, then the battery can operate, but the charging voltage is high and discharge voltage is low resulting in high hysteresis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery operationVSAvoidhysteresis loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the electrolyte by introducing the OMRM compound with specific ORMC1 and ORMC2 terminations. This parameter change optimizes the electrochemical potentials, lowering the charging voltage and raising the discharge voltage, thereby reducing hysteresis loss while maintaining reliable battery operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional catalysts are used, then the battery can function, but the capacity during charge and discharge is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery functionVSAvoidcharge and discharge capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The OMRM compound acts as a composite catalyst structure within the electrolyte, combining multiple redox mediator centers (ORMC1 and ORMC2) in one molecule. This composite approach enhances the catalytic activity and increases the capacity during both charge and discharge processes while maintaining reliable battery function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 OMRM compound enhances electrochemical performance by lowering charging voltage, increasing discharge voltage, and reducing polarization, thereby increasing the capacity and simplifying the electrolyte formulation of metal M-air battery cells.

Implementation Method 1

an Organic Multi Redox Mediator (OMRM) compound comprising at least two different reversible Organic Redox Mediator Center terminations ORMC1 and ORMC2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP4290637A1Metal m-air battery cell comprising an organic multi redox mediator compound as soluble organic catalyst
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4290637A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4290637A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4290637A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a metal M-air (O2) battery cell comprising a non-aqueous electrolyte medium with an Organic Multi Redox Mediator (OMRM) compound comprising at least two different reversible Organic Redox Mediator Center terminations ORMC1• and ORMC2, as a soluble organic catalyst. The invention also concerns a method for preparing such a compound and the use of such a compound as a soluble organic catalyst in a metal M-air battery cell. The invention also concerns a battery pack comprising at least two metal M-air battery cells according to the invention. The use of a battery pack according to the invention as a rechargeable battery for electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, electronic devices, and stationary power generating devices, is also part of the invention. Finally, the invention is directed at a vehicle, an electronic device, and a stationary power generating device, and preferably devices related to mobility such as cars, bikes, scooters and drones, comprising a battery pack according to the invention.