Metal Salt-Based Electrolytes for Thin Flexible Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for thinner, more flexible, and cost-effective energy storage technologies suitable for small portable electronics and wearable devices, with existing battery technologies facing challenges in terms of cost, material availability, and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrochemical cells using metal salt-based electrolytes with high molarity metal salts and ionic liquids, which enable improved performance in polymer ion batteries by enhancing ion transport and energy storage capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional battery technologies are used, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but device thickness and flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte by using high molarity metal salts (greater than 1 M) in ionic liquids, which enables the electrolyte to achieve both high ion conductivity and high capacity in a thin film form factor, thus resolving the contradiction between thinness and energy storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite electrolyte system combining metal salts with ionic liquids to create a material that simultaneously provides high ion conductivity, high capacity, and flexibility, enabling thin yet high-performance energy storage devices
2Reliability
If advanced battery materials are used to improve performance, then energy storage capacity increases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high molarity metal salt formulations that can be processed using conventional manufacturing techniques, avoiding the need for expensive advanced materials while achieving high capacity through optimized concentration parameters rather than material complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs metal salts and ionic liquids that are relatively inexpensive and easier to dispose of compared to advanced battery materials, reducing both manufacturing cost and end-of-life disposal costs while maintaining high performance
3Manufacturing precision
If high molarity metal salt formulations are used, then ion transport performance improves, but electrolyte stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines metal salts with ionic liquids to create a stable composite electrolyte system where the ionic liquid provides structural stability and prevents degradation even at high metal salt concentrations, enabling high ion transport performance without sacrificing stability
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic liquid acts as an intermediary between the metal salt and the electrodes, facilitating high ion transport while the ionic liquid's inherent stability prevents degradation reactions, thus resolving the contradiction between performance and stability
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
These electrolytes provide improved performance and cost-effectiveness for energy storage devices, enabling thinner, more flexible designs while being easier to produce and dispose of, thus addressing the requirements for emerging portable and wearable electronics.
Implementation Method 1
the ion transport may take place in metal salt-based electrolytes
Implementation Method 2
The electrolyte comprises a metal salt and an ionic liquid. A molarity of the metal salt in the ionic liquid is greater than about 1 molar (M)
Implementation Method 3
The electrochemical cell is rechargeable
Data Source
AI summary
Ion transport in electrochemical cells or energy storage devices may take place in metal salt-based electrolytes. The metal salt-based electrolytes may comprise high doping metal salt formulations. Electrochemical cells or energy storage devices comprising metal salt-based electrolytes may be used as single-use or rechargeable power sources.