Beta-Delithiated Nickel Oxide Cathode for Low Self-Discharge Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional batteries face challenges in achieving higher performance due to limitations in electrochemically active material loading within fixed dimensions, stability issues with high oxidation state transition metal oxides, and imbalance in water and potassium hydroxide content, leading to reduced capacity and increased self-discharge rates.
Innovation Solution
A battery design incorporating a beta-delithiated layered nickel oxide electrochemically active cathode material with a chemical formula LixAyNi1+a−zMzO2·nH2O, where x, y, a, z, and n are within specific ranges, along with an anode and electrolyte, to enhance gravimetric capacity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If higher loading of electrochemically active cathode material is used, then battery capacity and service life are improved, but battery internal volume constraint is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds electrochemically active cathode material particles within a porous conductive matrix structure, creating a nested configuration where active material is contained within the three-dimensional network of the conductive matrix. This nesting approach increases the effective loading of active material within the constrained battery volume by utilizing the internal porosity and surface area of the matrix structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a porous conductive matrix as the cathode structure, which provides high surface area and internal volume for accommodating electrochemically active material. The porous structure allows increased material loading density while maintaining electrical conductivity and electrolyte access throughout the cathode volume, effectively resolving the volume constraint issue.
2Quantity of substance
If high oxidation state transition metal oxide is used, then battery capacity is improved, but gas evolution and structural issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive matrix as an intermediary structure that surrounds and supports high oxidation state transition metal oxide particles. This matrix acts as a mediator that accommodates volume changes, prevents direct contact between reactive active material and electrolyte, and maintains structural integrity during charge-discharge cycles, thereby preventing gas evolution and structural degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite cathode structure consisting of high oxidation state transition metal oxide particles embedded within a conductive matrix material. This composite approach combines the high capacity benefits of high oxidation state materials with the structural stability and conductivity of the matrix material, resolving the reliability issues while maintaining improved capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If high oxidation state transition metal oxide is used, then battery capacity is improved, but self-discharge rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive matrix serves as an intermediary barrier between the high oxidation state transition metal oxide and the electrolyte, controlling and moderating their interaction. This intermediary structure reduces direct contact between the highly reactive active material and water-containing electrolyte, thereby minimizing parasitic reactions and self-discharge while still allowing necessary ionic transport for electrochemical function.
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 battery exhibits improved discharge performance across various discharge rates with higher open-circuit voltage and reduced self-discharge, allowing for better energy delivery and extended service life.
Implementation Method 1
The cathode contains an electrochemically active cathode material that can be reduced
Implementation Method 2
permitting the respective oxidation and reduction reactions to occur to provide electrical power
Implementation Method 3
The anode contains an electrochemically active anode material that can be oxidized
Implementation Method 4
permitting the respective oxidation and reduction reactions to occur to provide electrical power
Implementation Method 5
The electrolyte contains ions that flow through the separator between the anode and cathode to maintain charge balance throughout the battery during discharge
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed towards a battery. The battery includes a cathode, an anode, a separator between the cathode and the anode, and an electrolyte. The cathode includes a conductive additive and an electrochemically active cathode material. The electrochemically active cathode material includes a beta-delithiated layered nickel oxide. The beta-delithiated layered nickel oxide has a chemical formula. The chemical formula is LixAyNi1+a−zMzO2·nH2O where x is from about 0.02 to about 0.20; y is from about 0.03 to about 0.20; a is from about 0 to about 0.2; z is from about 0 to about 0.2; and n is from about 0 to about 1. Within the chemical formula, A is an alkali metal. The alkali metal includes potassium, rubidium, cesium, and any combination thereof. Within the chemical formula, M comprises an alkaline earth metal, a transition metal, a non-transition metal, and any combination thereof. The anode includes an electrochemically active anode material. The electrochemically active anode material includes zinc, zinc alloy, and any combination thereof.