Negative Electrode Gel Binder Using Ultrafine Microfibrils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alkaline batteries face challenges in reducing environmental impact and improving discharge performance, particularly due to the use of petroleum-based binders in their negative electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The use of plant-derived ultrafine microfibrils as binders in the negative electrodes of alkaline batteries, dispersed in an alkaline aqueous solution, to form a negative electrode gel that enhances discharge performance while reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If petroleum-based binders are used in the negative electrode, then the battery can be manufactured with conventional materials, but the environmental impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from petroleum-based binders to plant-derived ultrafine microfibrils, fundamentally altering the chemical composition to reduce environmental impact while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized production processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite binder system using ultrafine microfibrils combined with specific petroleum-based materials (styrene butadiene rubber and/or carboxymethyl cellulose) to achieve both environmental benefits and manufacturing compatibility, combining advantages of different material types
2Productivity
If conventional petroleum-based binders are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the discharge performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifying precise proportions of different binder components (ultrafine microfibrils at 0.1-10 wt%, styrene butadiene rubber at 0.1-5 wt%, carboxymethyl cellulose at 0.1-5 wt%) to optimize discharge performance in specific regions of the electrode structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining ultrafine microfibrils with styrene butadiene rubber and/or carboxymethyl cellulose in specific ratios, creating a multi-component binder system that enhances discharge performance beyond what single materials can achieve
3Object-affected harmful factors
If plant-derived materials are used as binders, then the environmental impact is reduced, but the binder effectiveness may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining plant-derived ultrafine microfibrils with petroleum-based binders (styrene butadiene rubber and/or carboxymethyl cellulose) in specific proportions, creating a synergistic system that maintains binder effectiveness while reducing environmental impact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter by selecting ultrafine microfibrils with specific characteristics (plant-derived, ultrafine dimensions) and controlling their concentration (0.1-10 wt%) to ensure both environmental benefits and sufficient binder effectiveness for electrode integrity
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 implementation of ultrafine microfibrils as negative electrode binders improves discharge performance by up to 15% and reduces the use of petroleum-based materials, thereby lessening the environmental impact of alkaline batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a negative electrode gel in which a negative electrode active material made of a zinc alloy and a binder are dispersed in an alkaline aqueous solution
Implementation Method 2
ultrafine microfibrils form the binder
Implementation Method 3
an alkaline aqueous solution
Implementation Method 4
dissolving solid KOH in the aqueous solution obtained in the second step
Data Source
AI summary
An alkaline battery and a method of producing an alkaline battery that includes a negative electrode gel in which a negative electrode active material made of a zinc alloy and a binder are dispersed in an alkaline aqueous solution. Ultrafine microfibrils form the binder.