Nb2O5-LMO Energy Storage Cell for Fast Charge and Cycle Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional energy storage cells, particularly ultracapacitors, face limitations in usable capacity and cycling stability due to manganese ion dissolution in lithium manganese oxide batteries, and they struggle to achieve high peak powers required for applications like automotive and grid regulation.

Innovation Solution

The development of a negative electrode composition using Nb2O5 particles and activated carbon, and a positive electrode composition using niobium-comprising lithium manganese oxide, along with specific binder and conductive additive ratios, to enhance cycling stability and charge/discharge speed, combined with an organic anhydrous electrolyte composition for improved energy storage capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If lithium manganese oxide is used as positive active material for high-rate applications, then peak power capability is improved, but cycling stability deteriorates due to manganese ion dissolution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak power capabilityVSAvoidcycling stability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Niobium oxide (Nb2O5) is introduced as an intermediary substance that mediates between the lithium manganese oxide and the electrolyte. The Nb2O5 forms a protective interface layer that prevents direct contact between manganese ions and the electrolyte, thereby eliminating the harmful dissolution reaction while maintaining the high power capability of lithium manganese oxide

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining lithium manganese oxide with niobium oxide to create a hybrid positive electrode material. This composite structure leverages the high power capability of lithium manganese oxide while utilizing the stability and protective properties of niobium oxide to prevent manganese dissolution, thus resolving the contradiction between power and cycling stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If ultracapacitors are designed for large peak power output, then energy transfer speed is improved, but usable capacity decreases due to voltage variation limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepeak power outputVSAvoidusable capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrochemical parameters of the ultracapacitor by using lithium manganese oxide and niobium oxide materials that enable operation at higher voltages and currents. This parameter change allows the device to deliver large peak power while maintaining stable voltage characteristics, thereby preserving usable capacity even at high discharge rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If discharge current is increased to achieve fast charging, then charge/discharge speed is improved, but usable capacity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge/discharge speedVSAvoidusable capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs materials with inherently fast ion transport properties, such as niobium oxide, which allows rapid lithium ion insertion and extraction. This material selection enables the electrode to withstand high discharge currents without significant capacity loss, effectively decoupling charge/discharge speed from usable capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 significantly increases the available gravimetric capacity, reduces equivalent series resistance, and doubles the gravimetric energy density, enabling higher energy transfer rates and longer cycling stability, suitable for applications requiring fast charging and discharging.

Implementation Method 1

The negative active material consists of Nb2O5 particles and activated carbon (AC) particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

The Nb2O5 particles allow redox reactions and intercalation of lithium ions into their crystal structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntercalation:

Implementation Method 3

an organic anhydrous electrolyte composition for improved energy storage capabilities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon transport:

Implementation Method 4

one drawback for the long-life cycling stability of these batteries is the dissolution of manganese ions into the electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution prevention:

Data Source

PatentUS20240405199A1Energy storage cells with fast charge and discharge capabilities

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 SKELETON TECH GMBH

AI summary

An energy storage cell for storing electrical energy, the cell comprises a negative electrode and a positive electrode that are immersed in an organic anhydrous electrolyte, wherein the negative electrode includes a negative active material composition that has Nb2O5 particles and activated carbon (AC) particles; wherein the positive electrode includes a positive active material composition that for the most part has LiMn2O4(LMO) particles.