Nanoparticle-Nanowire Networks for Dendrite-Safe Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy storage devices, such as batteries and capacitors, face limitations in capacity, safety, and efficiency due to issues like dendrite formation, low energy density, and voltage limitations, which are not adequately addressed by existing materials and structures.
Innovation Solution
A nanoparticle-nanowire-network (NNN) configuration comprising interconnected nanoparticles and nanowires, with a terminal system that allows for efficient charge distribution and storage, utilizing conductive polymers and metalized nucleic acids to enhance capacitance and energy density, and a composite structure that prevents dendrite formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium electrochemical plating is used to achieve high energy density, then energy density is improved, but dendrite formation occurs which reduces efficiency and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into numerous small nanoparticles (1-100 nm diameter) distributed throughout the electrolyte, replacing traditional bulk electrode structures. This segmentation prevents dendrite formation by providing many small deposition sites while maintaining high energy density through increased surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local high-concentration regions of lithium nanoparticles throughout the electrolyte volume, transforming the uniform electrolyte into a heterogeneous system with localized energy storage sites. This allows high energy density in specific regions without requiring high overall concentration that would cause dendrites.
2Reliability
If recharging rate is slowed down to prevent dendrite formation, then safety is improved, but charge/discharge time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the electrode into numerous small nanoparticles dispersed in the electrolyte, the system provides many simultaneous charge acceptance sites. This segmentation enables fast charging without dendrite formation, as lithium ions can deposit on multiple small particles concurrently rather than forming dendrites on a single large electrode surface.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrode surface area is increased to improve energy content, then energy density is improved, but ion diffusion time increases causing dendrite formation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into small nanoparticles (1-100 nm) dispersed throughout the electrolyte. This creates high total surface area for energy storage while keeping individual particle distances short, allowing ions to reach deposition sites quickly without forming dendrites.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a 2D electrode surface to a 3D distributed network of nanoparticles throughout the electrolyte volume. This dimensional change allows ions to access energy storage sites from all directions, reducing diffusion path lengths while maintaining high surface area.
4Reliability
If electrolyte ionic fluid flow is limited to prevent dendrites, then safety is improved, but charge/discharge rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the electrode into small nanoparticles dispersed in the electrolyte, eliminating the need for flow limitation. Ions can move freely through the electrolyte and deposit on multiple small particles simultaneously, maintaining high charge rates without dendrite formation.
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 NNN configuration significantly increases energy density, improves charge/discharge rates, and enhances safety by minimizing dendrite formation, while maintaining stability and scalability, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional energy storage devices.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of nanoparticles capable of conducting or storing a charge
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of nanowires, wherein each nanoparticle is connected to two or more nanowires of the plurality of nanowires and the plurality of nanoparticles are connected to each other via a first subset of the plurality of nanowires
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are nanoparticle nanowire networks; nano devices comprising the same, composite nano devices, and methods of manufacturing and using the nanoparticle nanowire networks, nano devices, and composite nano devices.