Nitrile-Based NaClO4 Electrolyte for High-Capacitance Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrolyte formulations for high-power batteries and supercapacitors require significant excess electrolyte to achieve high volumetric capacitance, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as they are poorly conductive and expensive at high concentrations.
Innovation Solution
The use of highly concentrated NaClO4 electrolyte salt in combination with nitrile-based solvents, such as acetonitrile, which maintains high ionic conductivity and cost-effectiveness, even at elevated concentrations, and is compatible with advanced electrode structures, allowing for a wide voltage window and reduced excess electrolyte needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If highly concentrated electrolyte salts are used to achieve high volumetric capacitance, then energy density is improved, but ionic conductivity decreases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the electrolyte salt from conventional low concentrations (1 M or less) to highly concentrated formulations (up to 5 M or higher). This parameter change enables high volumetric capacitance while maintaining acceptable ionic conductivity through optimized salt-solvent interactions in the concentrated regime
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite electrolyte formulations combining multiple salt components (e.g., LiPF6, LiBF4, LiClO4) with nitrile-based solvents. This composite approach allows the electrolyte to simultaneously achieve high ionic conductivity, wide voltage window, and high volumetric capacitance by leveraging the complementary properties of different salts
2Quantity of substance
If highly concentrated electrolyte salts are used to maximize energy density, then cost-efficiency worsens, but performance improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter to achieve high energy density while controlling costs through efficient use of electrolyte material. The highly concentrated formulation reduces the total volume of electrolyte needed, lowering material costs despite using higher salt concentrations
3Quantity of substance
If excess electrolyte is used to achieve high volumetric capacitance, then capacitance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte concentration parameter to highly concentrated formulations, which increase the amount of active electrolyte per unit volume. This eliminates the need for excess electrolyte to achieve high volumetric capacitance, as the concentrated electrolyte itself provides sufficient ionic content within the electrode pores
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replicates the successful concentration-dependent conductivity behavior observed in conventional electrolytes but inverts the approach by using high concentration from the outset. This 'copying' of the concentration-effect relationship at extreme values allows achieving high volumetric capacitance without requiring excess electrolyte volume
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 approach enhances the conductivity, cost-efficiency, and compatibility of electrolytes with advanced electrode structures, minimizing excess electrolyte requirements and maximizing energy density in supercapacitors and high-power batteries.
Implementation Method 1
highly concentrated salts which have high ionic conductivity
Implementation Method 2
electric double-layer supercapacitor electrodes achieving 170 F/cm3 volumetric capacitance
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an electrochemical cell comprisinga nitrile-based solvent based electrolyte, whereinthe electrochemical cell includes an electrolyte salt that comprises NaClO4, andthe electrolyte salt has a maximum electrolyte conductivity at a discharge state Molar concentration greater than 1.