Molecular Ion Electrolyte for Non-Dendritic Nonaqueous Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nonaqueous secondary batteries using metal ions as charge carriers face issues with dendrite formation and performance limitations, particularly when using ions other than lithium, and existing solutions do not adequately address these challenges.

Innovation Solution

A nonaqueous secondary battery electrolyte containing a salt with a molecular ion charge carrier, where the molecular ion functions as a charge carrier for both positive and negative electrodes, utilizing specific molecular cations and anions that allow for high ion conductivity and doping/dedoping capabilities, eliminating the need for alkali metal ions and thus preventing dendrite formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If metal ions (lithium, sodium, magnesium) are used as charge carriers to achieve high energy density, then voltage and energy density increase, but dendrite formation occurs and performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoiddendrite formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of charge carrier type from monatomic metal ions to molecular ions. This parameter change enables achieving high energy density through molecular ion mobility while avoiding dendrite formation, as molecular ions do not exhibit the same deposition behavior as metal ions at electrodes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces molecular ions as an intermediary charge carrier that mediates between the positive and negative electrodes. These molecular ions serve as a substitute for metal ions, enabling ion transport without the harmful dendrite formation associated with metal ion deposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If molecular ions are used as charge carriers to avoid dendrite formation, then reliability improves, but ion conductivity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedendrite preventionVSAvoidion conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes molecular ion parameters including size, structure, and charge distribution to achieve high ion conductivity. By carefully selecting molecular ion characteristics and adjusting electrolyte composition, the patent maintains fast ion transport speeds while using molecular ions as charge carriers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite electrolyte systems containing molecular ion salts combined with appropriate solvents and additives. This composite approach enhances ion conductivity by creating optimal solvation environments and reducing ion-solvent interaction barriers, thereby maintaining high-speed ion transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If alkali metal ions are used as charge carriers, then established technology and performance are achieved, but cost increases and dendrite issues persist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs molecular ion salts that can be synthesized more cheaply than alkali metal ion salts. These molecular ions serve as a cost-effective alternative, enabling battery manufacturing at lower costs while maintaining performance stability through proper molecular ion selection and electrolyte formulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 higher ion conductivity, increased voltage, and energy density, while avoiding dendrite issues and reducing costs by using molecular ions instead of alkali metal ions, with improved charge/discharge characteristics and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a nonaqueous secondary battery electrolyte containing a salt with a molecular ion charge carrier, where the molecular ion functions as a charge carrier for both positive and negative electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

utilizing specific molecular cations and anions that allow for high ion conductivity and doping/dedoping capabilities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoping/dedoping: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3182501B1Electrolyte for nonaqueous secondary battery and nonaqueous secondary battery using the same
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
  • EP3182501B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3182501B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3182501B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A rocking-chair nonaqueous secondary battery, which uses an ion other than monatomic ions as a charge carrier, and in which the ion moves in and out of both the positive electrode and the negative electrode, can be provided by using a nonaqueous secondary battery electrolyte comprising a salt containing a charge carrier comprising a molecular ion. The nonaqueous secondary battery further comprises a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material, and a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material, wherein the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material are both materials that allow doping and dedoping of molecular anions (e.g., conductive polymers, organic radical polymers, polymers having a ferrocene skeleton, conductive carbon materials, or organic sulfur compounds), or the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material are both materials that allow doping and dedoping of molecular cations (e.g., inorganic active materials, redox active molecules having a carbonyl group, redox active molecules having an imine skeleton, or redox active molecules containing a sulfur atom).