Mixed Conductor A1±xM2±yO4-δ for Electrochemical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrochemical devices like batteries, the decomposition of organic liquid electrolytes and carbon-based conductive agents by radicals leads to increased internal resistance due to inhibited ion and electron transfer, necessitating a chemically stable conductor that can simultaneously transfer both ions and electrons.
Innovation Solution
A mixed conductor represented by the formula A1±xM2±yO4-δ, where A is a Group 1 element and M is a metal element from Groups 2 to 16, excluding Ti and Mn, is developed, which is chemically stable and improves both ionic and electronic conductivity through heat-treatment and specific composition adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic liquid electrolyte and carbon-based conductive agent are used in electrodes, then ion and electron transfer paths are established, but the conductors are decomposed by radicals produced by electrochemical reactions, deteriorating battery performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing a mixed conductor with specific formula A1±xM2±yO4-δ where M excludes Ti and Mn, achieving optimal balance between ionic conductivity, electronic conductivity, and radical resistance. This compositional parameter optimization resolves the decomposition issue while maintaining conductivity functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite mixed conductor material combining multiple elements (A, M, and oxygen) in a spinel structure. This composite approach creates a material that simultaneously provides ion conduction, electron conduction, and radical stability, eliminating the need for separate organic electrolyte and carbon conductive agent components that are prone to decomposition.
2Reliability
If carbon-based conductive agent is used in electrodes, then electron transfer is enabled, but ion diffusion/transfer is inhibited, increasing internal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The mixed conductor material performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an electron conductor and an ion conductor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate carbon-based conductive agents that only provide electron pathways, thereby removing the harmful effect of ion transfer inhibition while maintaining electronic conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite mixed conductor structure with formula A1±xM2±yO4-δ creates interconnected pathways for both electrons and ions within a single material phase. The spinel crystal structure provides dual conduction channels, resolving the contradiction between electronic and ionic conductivity that plagues conventional carbon-based conductive agents.
3Reliability
If organic liquid electrolyte is used in electrodes, then ion transfer is enabled, but electron transfer is inhibited, increasing internal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The mixed conductor material universally provides both ionic and electronic conduction capabilities within a single phase. This eliminates the need for organic liquid electrolytes that enable ion transfer but block electron transfer, thereby resolving the internal resistance issue caused by electron transfer inhibition while maintaining ionic conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the compositional parameters (x, y, δ) in the formula A1±xM2±yO4-δ, the patent optimizes the balance between ionic and electronic conductivity. This parameter tuning allows the material to provide sufficient electron transfer capability while maintaining ion transfer functionality, eliminating the electron transfer inhibition problem of organic electrolytes.
4Productivity
If conventional conductive materials are used, then ion and electron transfer paths are established, but internal resistance increases due to inhibited diffusion/transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite mixed conductor material with formula A1±xM2±yO4-δ that creates integrated ion-electron transfer pathways within a single material structure. This composite approach eliminates the interface resistance and transfer inhibition problems associated with conventional separate conductive materials, thereby reducing internal resistance and improving overall transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes transfer efficiency by precisely controlling the compositional parameters (x, y, δ) of the mixed conductor. This parameter optimization ensures maximum ionic and electronic conductivity while minimizing internal resistance, achieving superior productivity compared to conventional conductive 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 mixed conductor reduces internal resistance by enhancing ionic and electronic conductivity, maintaining stability during electrochemical reactions and improving the performance of electrochemical devices such as lithium-air batteries.
Implementation Method 1
an ion conductor for transferring ions and an electron conductor for transferring electrons are mixed and arranged in the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
an ion conductor for transferring ions and an electron conductor for transferring electrons are mixed and arranged in the electrodes
Implementation Method 3
heat-treating the mixture in a solid phase to prepare the mixed conductor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mixed conductor represented by Formula 1: Formula 1 A1±xM2±yO4-δ, wherein, in Formula 1, A is at least one Group 1 element of the Periodic Table of the Elements, M is at least one metal element of Groups 2 to 16 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, with the proviso that M is neither Ti nor Mn, and 0≤x<1, 0≤y<1, and 0≤δ≤1 are satisfied.