Metal Halide Secondary Battery With Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current secondary batteries face challenges in achieving high energy density and durability life performance, particularly with metal negative electrodes like Li and Mg, which suffer from short circuits and low cycle life, and metal halides with aqueous or organic electrolytes experience inefficiencies and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery design incorporating a positive electrode with metal halides such as CuCl2 or FeCl2, a nonaqueous electrolyte with ionic liquids containing chlorine ions, and a lithium-ion conductive separator to enhance charge-discharge efficiency and reduce overvoltage, while using lithium metal or alloys for the negative electrode to maintain safety and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If Li metal is used for the negative electrode to enhance energy density, then the energy density is improved, but dendrite deposition causes short circuits and reduces safety
Solution Approach 1:
A lithium ion conductive separator is introduced as an intermediary between the Li metal negative electrode and the positive electrode. This separator prevents direct contact and dendrite-induced short circuits while maintaining lithium ion transport, thus resolving the contradiction between energy density and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrolyte from aqueous to nonaqueous (ionic liquid), which fundamentally alters the electrochemical environment. This parameter change enables the use of Li metal while preventing dendrite formation and improving both energy density and safety
2Quantity of substance
If metal halides with aqueous electrolyte are used to achieve high capacity, then the capacity is improved, but hydrogen generation lowers charge/discharge efficiency and cycle life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte parameter from aqueous to nonaqueous (specifically ionic liquid), which eliminates hydrogen generation while maintaining high capacity metal halide electrodes, thus improving charge/discharge efficiency without sacrificing capacity
3Quantity of substance
If metal halides with organic solvent electrolyte are used to achieve high capacity, then the capacity is improved, but large overvoltage reduces charge/discharge efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte parameter from organic solvent to ionic liquid, which reduces overvoltage while maintaining high capacity, thus improving charge/discharge efficiency without sacrificing capacity
4Quantity of substance
If sulfur is used as positive electrode material to achieve high capacity and low cost, then the capacity and cost are improved, but dissolution in electrolyte reduces cycle life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte from aqueous/organic to nonaqueous (ionic liquid), which prevents sulfur dissolution while maintaining high capacity, thus improving cycle life without sacrificing capacity or cost-effectiveness
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 enables a battery with improved energy density, durability, and safety by facilitating efficient oxidation-reduction reactions and reducing self-discharge, suitable for both stationary power supplies and electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The nonaqueous electrolyte includes an ionic liquid including chlorine ions
Implementation Method 2
The separator has lithium ion conductivity
Implementation Method 3
The positive electrode includes a halide including at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, nickel, cobalt, tin, and zinc
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a nonaqueous electrolyte and a separator. The positive electrode includes a halide including at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, nickel, cobalt, tin, and zinc. The negative electrode includes at least one selected from the group consisting of lithium metal, a lithium alloy, and a compound capable of having Li inserted and extracted. The nonaqueous electrolyte includes an ionic liquid including chlorine ions. The separator has lithium ion conductivity, and is interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.