Nanostructured Battery Separators for Ionic Conduction and Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current separators in energy storage devices, such as batteries and capacitors, face limitations due to low ionic conductivity and mechanical properties, particularly in carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) substrates, which hinder efficient ion transport and structural reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating elongated nanostructures, like alumina nanotubes, between electronically conductive substrates to create an ionically conductive and electronically insulating region, enhancing ionic conductivity and structural reinforcement by penetrating the substrate surfaces, thereby facilitating ion transport and maintaining electronic insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separators are used in energy storage devices, then electronic insulation is provided, but ionic conductivity is low and mechanical properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining electronically conductive substrates (such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers) with ionically conductive elongated nanostructures. This composite approach allows the separator to simultaneously provide electronic insulation from the substrate while the nanostructures provide enhanced ionic conductivity pathways, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple separator structure and improving ionic conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated nanostructures are selectively positioned between the electronically conductive substrates, creating local regions of high ionic conductivity without requiring the entire separator structure to be complex. The nanostructures penetrate or contact the substrates at specific locations, providing targeted ionic transport pathways while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
2Strength
If CFRP substrates are used to provide structural reinforcement, then mechanical strength is improved, but ionic conductivity remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The CFRP substrate provides mechanical strength through its inherent composite structure, while the ionically conductive elongated nanostructures are locally introduced between the substrate and the other electrode. This local addition of functional nanostructures enables ionic conductivity enhancement without compromising the mechanical strength provided by the CFRP substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator structure is designed to perform multiple functions: the CFRP substrate provides mechanical strength and structural reinforcement, while the ionically conductive elongated nanostructures provide ionic conductivity pathways. This multi-functional design allows a single separator assembly to simultaneously address both mechanical strength and ionic conductivity requirements.
3Reliability
If elongated nanostructures are introduced to enhance ionic conductivity, then ion transport is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ionically conductive elongated nanostructures act as intermediaries between the two electronically conductive substrates. These nanostructures facilitate ion transport across the separator region without requiring complex separator architectures, serving as simple yet effective conductive pathways that bridge the gap between substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator region is segmented into distinct functional components: electronically conductive substrates providing structural support and electronic insulation, and ionically conductive elongated nanostructures providing ionic transport pathways. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
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 significantly improves ionic conductivity and mechanical properties, enabling CFRP substrates to function as multifunctional capacitors or supercapacitors while maintaining mechanical integrity and enhancing energy storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The region between the first electronically conductive solid substrate and the second electronically conductive solid substrate is ionically conductive such that ions can be transported through the region
Implementation Method 2
the region between the first electronically conductive solid substrate and the second electronically conductive solid substrate is electronically insulating such that transport of electrons through the region is inhibited or prevented
Data Source
AI summary
The use of elongated nanostructures in separators and associated devices and methods, including devices and methods for energy storage and/or use, are generally described. According to certain embodiments, the elongated nanostructures can extend from a first solid substrate to a second solid substrate. In some embodiments, the nanostructures penetrate a surface of the first solid substrate (e.g., a first electrode) and/or a surface of the second solid substrate (e.g., a second electrode). The elongated nanostructures can, according to certain embodiments, provide structural reinforcement between two substrates (e.g., between two electrodes) while maintaining electronic insulation between the two substrates.