Multilayered Electrolyte Structure for Battery Short-Circuit Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical devices face challenges in reducing short-circuit rates during charge and discharge due to non-uniform electrolyte layer thickness, which affects the structural stability and lifetime of batteries, especially in portable and wearable devices.
Innovation Solution
The electrochemical device incorporates a multilayered electrolyte structure with a first and second electrolyte layer, where the second electrolyte layer is positioned between the first electrolyte layer and the negative electrode, with varying thicknesses to enhance step coverage and prevent short circuits, using a combination of vapor deposition and liquid coating methods to achieve a uniform solid electrolyte film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electrolyte layer is used in conventional electrochemical devices, then the device structure is simple, but the electrolyte layer thickness is non-uniform leading to increased short-circuit rates during charge and discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte layer is divided into multiple sub-layers (first electrolyte layer and second electrolyte layer) with different thicknesses. The first electrolyte layer has greater thickness near the positive electrode current collector, while the second electrolyte layer has greater thickness distal to it. This segmentation allows each sub-layer to serve specific functions in preventing short circuits while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrolyte layer are given different thicknesses based on local requirements. The electrolyte layer thickness varies continuously from the positive electrode current collector toward the negative electrode, with thicker regions near the positive electrode current collector and thinner regions distal to it. This local quality approach optimizes short-circuit prevention where most needed while reducing unnecessary material elsewhere.
2Reliability
If the electrolyte layer thickness is increased to prevent short circuits, then short-circuit rate decreases, but the specific energy and discharge capacity of the battery are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte layer thickness is optimized locally rather than uniformly throughout. Thicker electrolyte is provided only where short-circuit prevention is most critical (near the positive electrode current collector), while thinner electrolyte is used in regions where it is less critical. This local optimization prevents short circuits effectively while minimizing the volume occupied by electrolyte material, thereby maintaining higher specific energy and discharge capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly increasing electrolyte layer thickness throughout the entire battery structure, the invention applies excessive thickness only in specific critical regions (partial action). The electrolyte layer has greater thickness near the positive electrode current collector where short-circuit prevention is most needed, and gradually reduces thickness distal to it. This partial application of excessive thickness achieves short-circuit prevention without the penalty of uniformly thick electrolyte layers.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a multilayered electrolyte structure is implemented to improve step coverage, then structural stability and lifetime are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte layer is segmented into multiple continuous sub-layers (first and second electrolyte layers) that collectively provide enhanced step coverage. Each sub-layer contributes to the overall structural stability, with the first layer providing support near the positive electrode current collector and the second layer providing support distal to it. This segmentation improves structural stability and lifetime without requiring discrete separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second electrolyte layers are merged into a single continuous electrolyte structure that functions as an integrated unit. Both layers are disposed continuously on the positive electrode current collector and extend toward the negative electrode, creating a unified electrolyte system. This merging approach improves structural stability while avoiding the complexity of managing separate discrete electrolyte components.
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
This configuration reduces short-circuit rates, improves structural stability, and increases the specific energy and discharge capacity of the battery, while maintaining electrical connectivity even after multiple charge cycles.
Implementation Method 1
disposing a first electrolyte layer including a first electrolyte on a first surface of the positive electrode by a wet method
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of vapor deposition and liquid coating methods to achieve a uniform solid electrolyte film
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrochemical device including: a positive electrode current collector; a plurality of positive electrodes disposed on the positive electrode current collector; an electrolyte layer disposed on the plurality of positive electrodes; a negative electrode disposed on the electrolyte layer; and a negative electrode current collector disposed on the negative electrode, wherein the electrolyte layer includes a first electrolyte layer and a second electrolyte layer, and wherein the second electrolyte layer is between the first electrolyte layer and the negative electrode.