Nanostructured Metal-Organic Separator for Ion Conductivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery and electrochemical cell separators lack control over ion conductivity and performance characteristics, leading to inefficiencies in ion migration and potential electrical shorting between electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A nanostructured separator made from metal-organic materials, such as metal-organic frameworks, coordination polymers, or covalent-organic frameworks, is integrated onto the electrode substrate, providing controlled ion conductivity and preventing electrical shorting while allowing for efficient ion migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional separators are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the control over ion conductivity and performance characteristics is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the pore size, pore size distribution, and porosity of the separator through controlled phase separation processes. By adjusting parameters such as polymer concentration, solvent composition, and thermal treatment conditions, the separator's ion conductivity and performance characteristics can be precisely tuned to meet specific application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining different polymer matrices with specific pore-forming agents and additives. This creates a multi-phase composite structure where the polymer provides mechanical integrity while the phase-separated pores provide ion transport pathways, achieving both structural simplicity and controlled ion conductivity.
2Productivity
If conventional separators are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but ion migration efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the phase-separated pore structure during the separator manufacturing process itself, rather than attempting to modify the structure later. The controlled phase separation is performed during membrane formation, creating the optimal pore network for ion migration before the separator is assembled into the battery, thereby improving ion migration efficiency without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If conventional separators are used, then the device structure is simple, but electrical shorting prevention is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different pore sizes and densities within the separator structure. The phase separation process generates a non-uniform pore distribution where certain regions have smaller pores for better electrical isolation while other regions have larger pores for efficient ion transport. This local variation in structure provides both reliable electrical shorting prevention and adequate ion migration pathways.
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 nanostructured separator enhances the performance of batteries and electrochemical cells by offering unprecedented control over ion conductivity and stability, reducing the risk of electrical shorting and optimizing cell efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the nanostructured separator can allow for unprecedented control over ion conductivity and related performance characteristics of batteries or electrochemical cells
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are nanostructured electrode separators comprising metal organic materials capable of attaching to one or more electrodes and electrically insulating at least one electrode while allowing migration of ionic charge carriers through the nanostructured electrode separator. Methods of using such electrode separators include positioning a nanostructured electrode separator between two electrodes of an electrochemical cell.